Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: The Caribbean
Salary: Competitive salary, dependent on experience
Contract: Six-Month Contract
Working Environment: Construction, industrial and infrastructure project sites

The Opportunity

ANT Recruitment is supporting an established and growing Caribbean-based organisation in the appointment of an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator.

This is a hands-on role involving the safe operation and basic maintenance of a range of heavy machinery across construction, industrial and infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will be confident operating multiple types of equipment, working closely with supervisors and ground crews, and maintaining high standards of safety, precision and productivity.

You will report to the Managing Director and support the day-to-day delivery of projects by ensuring machinery is operated safely, materials are moved efficiently and equipment remains in good working order.

What You'll Be Doing

Your responsibilities will include:

Operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently across construction and industrial project sites.
Operating machinery such as cranes, telehandlers, excavators, telescopic forklifts, loaders and pile-driving equipment.
Reading and interpreting site plans, grade stakes, load charts and instructions from management.
Loading, unloading, lifting and moving materials as required by each project.
Determining load weights and checking them against equipment lifting capacities.
Working closely with supervisors, spotters and ground crews to coordinate safe equipment movements.
Carrying out daily pre-operation inspections before machinery is used.
Completing basic preventive maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication and routine checks.
Identifying mechanical defects and reporting repair requirements promptly.
Troubleshooting operational issues in the event of equipment malfunction or breakdown.
Maintaining accurate equipment-inspection records, maintenance logs and activity reports.
Following company procedures, site rules and relevant health and safety regulations.
Adapting to changing site conditions while maintaining accuracy and situational awareness.
Keeping machinery, equipment and surrounding work areas clean and organised.
Assisting with general maintenance and site duties when equipment operation is not required.
Supporting other operational duties appropriate to the position when required.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced, safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator who can work confidently across varied project environments.

You should have:

At least three years' experience operating heavy machinery in construction, industrial or infrastructure environments.
Formal heavy equipment operator training, certification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
Proven ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment safely.
Experience working on large-scale construction, civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
Practical experience operating equipment such as excavators, loaders, telehandlers, telescopic forklifts or cranes.
The ability to understand and apply load charts, lifting capacities and safe working limits.
The ability to read site plans, grade stakes and work instructions.
Strong knowledge of workplace health and safety standards.
Experience carrying out pre-operation inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
The ability to recognise equipment defects and report mechanical issues accurately.
Strong situational awareness and attention to detail.
Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with supervisors, spotters and ground crews.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
A mature, self-motivated and dependable approach to work.
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
The ability to manage changing priorities and meet project deadlines.
The physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
A valid driving licence.

Experience operating cranes or specialist lifting equipment would be advantageous. Candidates required to operate cranes must hold the appropriate recognised certification and demonstrate relevant experience.

Working Conditions

This is a six-month contract involving work across construction, industrial and infrastructure project sites within the Caribbean.

The position will involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions and operating machinery in active project environments. The successful candidate must be comfortable working around moving equipment, ground crews, materials and changing site conditions.

Working hours may vary depending on project requirements, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a growing organisation delivering varied construction and infrastructure projects across the Caribbean.

The position offers:

A six-month contract with an established and expanding organisation.
Experience working across a range of construction and infrastructure projects.
The opportunity to operate different types of heavy equipment.
A varied role combining machinery operation, equipment care and site support.
Direct involvement in important project-delivery activities.
The opportunity to work closely with experienced operational and project leaders.
Potential support with relocation and work-permit arrangements for an appropriately qualified overseas candidate, subject to confirmation.

Interested?

Apply today by submitting your CV together with copies of any relevant heavy equipment, lifting or crane-operation certifications.

A member of the ANT Recruitment team will contact suitably qualified applicants to discuss the organisation, position, salary, working arrangements and relocation process in further detail.