What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator - HRI Inc., - State College, PA 1 position at PENNSYLVANIA DIVISION?
Company: HRI
Location: State College
Country: USA
Type of Contract: Seasonal
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2026
HRI, Inc., a Colas USA subsidiary, operates primarily in, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. Today, HRI, is a diversified construction company with expertise in highways, airports, water, sewer, treatment plants, bridges, and paving. HRI also has six asphalt plants. Our company benefits from being part of a much larger organization while still maintaining local control over our activities and preserving close ties to the communities we serve. To learn more about HRI visit www.hriinc.com/.
The Colas USA Family of Companies provides competitive pay, outstanding benefits, career advancement opportunities, professional education, and extensive training for every employee. We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental conservation, and ethical conduct as we strive to grow our infrastructure products and services through empowering and developing our people, fostering innovation, utilizing new technology, and maximizing vertical integration at all levels of the company’s value chain. To learn more about the Colas USA Family of Companies, please visit www.colasusa.com.
Job Summary
HRI, Inc., a leader in heavy civil construction since 1947, has an opening for an experienced and energetic Operator. The position will report to the supervisor on the project and will be responsible for a variety of duties in and around job site of construction projects. Excellent attendance is crucial for the team to achieve success. The ideal candidate has a proven record of success in fast-paced environments. Must have the ability to work with and communicate with cross-functional teams
Main Responsibilities
- Operate the excavator/hoe and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner in a productive environment
- Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment
- Work with ground personnel in the excavation and installation process
- Conduct trench work, which meets OSHA requirements and ability to work out of trench boxes
- Operate Excavator/Hoe on public roadways, maintaining proper awareness of one’s surroundings
- Be aware of proper rigging of pipe, manhole barrels, etc. and ensure safe work procedures are followed during the lowering of materials into the excavation
- Apply caution when digging around existing utilities and overhead wires
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent experience preferred
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving history
- Prior experience preferred
Skills
- Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions
- Ability to use equipment and tools accurately and safely
- Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency
- Ability to work with a team and in a fast-paced environment
- Independent work ethic and professional, positive demeanor
- Good work ethic, professional, and positive attitudes
Physical Requirements
- Must have an acceptable safety record and be committed to working safely
- Overtime as required
- Must follow the company’s drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Wears and maintains personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by Company safety guidelines
- Regularly required to lift and /or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance, use hands to move and manipulate objects, and communicate (talk and hear)
- Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
- Standing/working on feet for long periods, and walking across uneven terrain
- Regularly exposed to all outdoor weather conditions, dust, and airborne particles, loud noise, fuel, oil, and other chemicals
Benefits
- Choice of 3 Medical Plan Options
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Dental and Vision Plans
- Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Options
- Access to Telemedicine and Healthcare Advocacy Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- Great starting rates
Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, please click here to view the EEO document. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to:
- to meet the requirements of the role in which you are applying.
- complete any part of the application process.
- access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applyi.
Please contact Colas Inc. at 973-290-9082 or send an email to ColasRecruiter@colasinc.com.