Heavy Equipment Operator

The role

The Heavy Equipment Operator safely operates forklifts, telehandlers, and other material handling equipment. This role moves, positions, loads, and unloads heavy electrical equipment and materials to support manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, and yard operations.

What you will do

• Operate assigned equipment safely within manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and outdoor storage areas.
• Load and unload trucks and trailers.
• Transport and position electrical enclosures, switchgear assemblies, and raw materials.
• Assess load weight, dimensions, center of gravity, travel routes, ground conditions, and overhead clearances.
• Follow equipment load charts, manufacturer instructions, and established handling procedures.
• Coordinate with spotters, rigging personnel, production teams, and shipping and receiving personnel.
• Use approved attachments and handling methods.
• Complete pre-use inspections and document equipment condition.
• Stop operation and report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, incidents, and product damage.
• Perform routine operator care including cleaning and fluid checks.

Required qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment in a manufacturing, industrial, warehouse, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated experience moving heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped loads.
• Ability to interpret equipment capacity information, operating instructions, load charts, and safety procedures.
• Understanding of load stability, pedestrian awareness, and safe loading and unloading practices.
• Ability to complete required equipment training, practical evaluations, and site authorization.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Dependable attendance.
• Clear communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with others in an active production environment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and fabrication environment with exposure to noise, welding fumes, heat, dust, and changing weather conditions.
• Ability to walk fabrication areas, climb stairs and ladders, access elevated work areas, and inspect large assemblies.
• Ability to lift and carry inspection tools and equipment up to 30–50 pounds.

Nice to have

• Experience handling switchgear, electrical distribution equipment, machinery, or large fabricated assemblies
• Experience operating high-capacity forklifts, general heavy equipment or telehandlers
• Familiarity with rigging practices, spotter signals, and coordinated equipment moves
• Experience using inventory systems, scanners, or material movement records

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package

About the company

IEM builds electrical distribution systems and delivers solutions for complex power needs. The company has been operating for 75 years.