Construction Equipment Operator

Who we are

Do you like: 4-day work weeks? Working in the woods? Heavy equipment? Cool people? Protecting the environment? Chainsaws? If you said yes to the above… Join our NYSDEC team as a Construction Equipment Operator. NYSDEC Region 4 is full of outdoor recreational opportunities covering 250,000 acres of lands and it’s our job to be good stewards of the environment. In doing so, you will enjoy scenic views, fresh air and wildlife. This candidate will get to construct and maintain access for hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping as well as helping to protect the states’ resources for future generations. We are based out of the Stamford Suboffice in the Heart of the Catskills which includes 4 spectacular campgrounds in the Catskill Forest Preserve, boat launches on several lakes, rivers and streams throughout our 9-County region, and truck trails which are access roads through our state forests and wildlife management areas. If you enjoy working in the rugged outdoors, this is the job for you! Give us a try. Enjoy a job that has a purpose and makes a difference. We offer opportunities to learn new skills, take on new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Job description

This person will operate a wide variety of modern tools and equipment such as: dump trucks as well as heavy equipment such as excavators, skid steers, bulldozers and small equipment such as chainsaws, plate tampers, and power tools. They will demonstrate an attentiveness to detail on projects and possess critical thinking skills for problem solving project components.

Work Location

This position will be based out of Region 4’s Bear Spring Field Crew Headquarters at 5280 Beers Brook Road, Walton, NY 13856

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Delivering material and equipment to projects

· Safe operation of heavy equipment doing various tasks

· Proper use and daily maintenance of tools/gear/equipment for projects

· Submitting timecards accurately and punctually

· Driving a provided State vehicle daily and maintaining a clean work vehicle

· Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workplace

· Wearing the proper PPE during work tasks

· Working on uneven and steep terrain

Minimum Qualifications:

· Must be available for all trainings as required

· Must possess a class B Commercial Drivers License with airbrake endorsement

· Must be able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time outside and lift up to 50 lbs.

· One year of experience in the operation of heavy equipment which may include bulldozers, excavators, front end loaders, etc.

· Must demonstrate safe workplace practices and communicate effectively to co-workers & supervisor.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

· Experience working on other physical labor jobs such as construction, landscaping, or general trades

· Experience with communication, time management and problem-solving

· Experience with hand tools, power tools and basic tool maintenance

· Experience with the use of chainsaws

Project Funding and Duration:

This Construction Equipment Operator position is a seasonal 6-month position working 40 hours/week Monday-Thursday, with NYSDEC. The typical workday is 6:00am – 4:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. This is an hourly appointment with a start date of May 1, 2025, and is currently funded through October 22, 2025, with a possibility of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $19.33 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement (through CSEA)

Schedule: Long weekends provide Work Life Balance to enjoy your time outside of work.

• 10-hour shifts
• Day shift
• Monday-Thursday
• No weekends

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $19.33 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19