HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Role:HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Department/Unit: Operations / Logistics Support
Duty Location: Rivers State, Nigeria – Project Site / Corporate Office / Field Base
Appointment Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Line of Authority
Reports to: Operations Manager
Direct Reports: None

Job Grade/Level & Salary Band
• Job Grade: Junior / Mid-Level – (Support)
• Salary Band: Company-defined, and competitive with industry benchmarks.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, pension contributions, performance
bonuses.

Job Purpose (Summary)
The operate and maintain a variety of heavy machinery to support construction, excavation, roadwork, and other large-scale projects. You will be responsible for ensuring equipment is used efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all operational guidelines. This role supports the seamless execution of construction and engineering projects by ensuring timely mobility while adhering to strict Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) standards.

Key Responsibilities/Duties
1. Operations
• Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, cranes etc.
• Perform pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance checks on equipment.
• Follow site plans, blueprints, and instructions from supervisors to complete tasks accurately.
• Load, move, and grade earth, rock, gravel, or other materials as required.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies at all times.
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety hazards promptly.
• Assist with site preparation, clean-up, and other related duties.

2. Safety & Compliance
• Drive in strict compliance with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) laws,
Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)/NUPRC mobility guidelines, and the
company’s HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) protocols.
• Apply defensive driving techniques, anticipating road hazards common in oilfield and construction environments (e.g., heavy truck traffic, narrow site access roads, unpaved terrain).
• Ensure compliance with site access protocols, speed limits, and safe driving
distances, particularly within high-risk zones such as construction yards or drilling locations.

3. Equipment Care, Maintenance & Record-Keeping
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip checks (tyres, brakes, lights, diesel, oil, coolant, emergency kits, fire extinguishers).
• Maintain a clean, roadworthy truck at all times, with special attention to dust, oil, and mud conditions on site.
• Record mileage, diesel consumption, servicing, and any faults in official logbooks.
• Collaborate with the fleet/transport coordinator to ensure scheduled servicing, tyre rotation, and spare parts requests are handled without disrupting project timelines.
• Report all mechanical defects or accidents promptly, ensuring quick turnaround to maintain operational continuity.

5. Security & Emergency Preparedness
• Stay alert to regional security risks, maintaining safe driving practices in potentially volatile environments.
• Follow company security protocols when encountering checkpoints, law
enforcement, or local community interactions.
• Keep emergency contact numbers, first aid kits, updated at all times.
• Report and address maintenance issues within 24 hours of detection.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
• Interact with staff, clients, regulators, and local authorities courteously, reflecting the company’s professional image.
• Ensure confidentiality and discretion at your work place and when transporting
sensitive project materials.
• Act as the company’s frontline representative on the road, fostering trust and
respect in external interactions.

7. Administrative Support
• Ensure strict documentation of all trips, and log entries in line with company and industry audit standards.
• Support the preparation of weekly/monthly transport reports (diesel usage,
equipment downtime, mileage trends).
• Work closely with project managers and logistics teams to optimize route
planning, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.

Qualifications & Skills
Education & Certifications
• Minimum of Secondary School Certificate (SSCE or equivalent) and HND OR OND.
• Valid driver’s license appropriate for vehicle class.
• Valid heavy equipment operator certification/license.
• Professional driving certification (e.g., FRSC-approved Defensive Driving, NEBOSH
Driving Safety Module, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Experience
• 5+ years’ professional driving experience, preferably within oil and gas, engineering, or construction environments.
• Proven track record of safe driving with zero preventable accidents in the last 3 years.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and site layouts.

Hard Skills
• Proficiency in defensive driving techniques.
• Strong knowledge of traffic laws and HSSE driving protocols.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and site layouts.
• Excellent spatial awareness and manual dexterity.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Soft Skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Discretion, confidentiality, and professional demeanor.
• Reliability, punctuality, and adaptability to shifting project needs.

Competency Framework
Core Competencies
• Safety Awareness & Compliance
• Professional Integrity
• Service Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Reliability & Dependability

Role-Specific Competencies
• Defensive Driving Expertise
• Situational Awareness in High-Risk Environments
• Equipment Maintenance & Log Management
• Crisis/Emergency Response Readiness

Success in this Role Looks Like
• Zero preventable safety incidents or traffic violations.
• Equipment consistently well-maintained, safe, and available.
• Positive feedback from stakeholders on professionalism and service.

Working Conditions
• Resumption time is 7am with flexibility as the need arises.
• Standard 8-10-hour shifts daily with flexibility for overtime based on project demands.
• Frequent travel across project sites, sometimes in challenging terrains.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• May require overtime, weekend, or night shifts.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and heavy machinery.

Decision-Making Authority/Scope of Influence
• Authority to recommend Equipment maintenance and servicing.
• Responsibility for immediate safety decisions while on the road and without supervisory or safety officer’s guidance.