Excavator Operator (Dogman) - Nsw & Act

Objectives: 

The primary role of the Excavator Operator is to operate excavator machinery to assist in tunnel excavation, debris removal, and other tasks, while also providing manual labour support as required. While being safety-conscious and team-oriented, it plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient progression of tunnelling activities, contributing to the successful completion of projects on time and within specifications. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Safely operate excavator machinery to assist in tunnel excavation, debris removal, and other related tasks. 
• Use the excavator to dig trenches, clear tunnel faces, and transport materials as directed by supervisors and crew members. 
• Work closely with the tunnelling crew to support various aspects of tunnel construction, including excavation, support system installation, and lining placement. 
• Collaborate with manual labourers to clear debris, install support systems, and perform other tasks as required to advance the tunnelling process. 
• Follow instructions from supervisors and crew leaders to ensure that excavator operations align with project goals and timelines. 
• Conduct thorough pre-operational inspections of the excavator equipment to verify that all systems are functioning properly and report any issues. 
• Check hydraulic systems, controls, attachments, and safety features to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and safety standards. 
• Serve as a dogman during rigging and lifting operations, providing signals to crane operators and other equipment operators as needed. 
• Assist riggers and other crew members in the safe movement and positioning of heavy materials and equipment within the tunnel. 
• Maintain clear communication with team members to ensure that lifting operations are conducted safely and efficiently. 
• Participate in manual labour tasks as required to support tunnelling activities, including clearing debris, installing support systems, and handling materials. 
• Use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned tasks according to project specifications and quality standards. 
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment or property. 
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. 
• Take proactive measures to identify and mitigate potential hazards in the work environment, reporting any safety concerns to supervisors promptly. 
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on the excavator equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity. 
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of debris to minimise safety risks and maintain efficient workflow. 
• Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to supervisors for timely repair or replacement. 

Physical Demand 

• While performing the duties of this job, requirements include prolonged standing, walking  
• and/or sitting.  
• Use of hands to handle/feel objects, tools, and controls.  
• Occasionally requirement to climb stairs and/or ladders, balance, stoop or kneel and/or walk on uneven ground.  
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth  
• perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  
• Good hearing – able to hear equipment alarms, voices, radio transmissions, and other noises  
• consistent with construction sites  
• Working in all weather conditions, inside and outside  
• Ability to work in confined spaces is a requirement for this position  

Key Competencies: 

• Leadership/Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with the operations team to accomplish organisation/project goals; taking actions that respect the needs and contributions of others; contributing and accepting the consensus; leading by personal high-level workplace behaviours and self-presentation   
• Communication: Ability to express ideas effectively in writing or verbally in individual and project team situations (including non-verbal communication); adjusting language or terminology to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Able to interact with people at the highest and other levels. Ability to communicate with and develop/ maintain relationships with clients and ability to negotiate effectively to reach consensus on workplace issues. 
• Quality Orientation/Attention to detail: Accomplishing tasks through concern for all areas involved in the project, regardless of size; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; maintaining watchfulness for the length of the project. 
• Safety, Health, and Environment Awareness: Accomplish tasks with an awareness of Health and Safety concerning themselves and others, and their environment. Ability to assess the risks and hazards involved in tasks, and methods to manage the hazards in order to prevent incidents, injury, and damage.  
• Technical Knowledge: having achieved a satisfactory level of technical skills/knowledge and experience in job-related areas; keeping abreast of current developments and trends in area of expertise. 
• Analysis/Problem Solving: Ability to secure relevant information and identify key issues and relationships; identify cause-effect relationships and readily develop solutions to workplace problems. 

Essential Criteria: 

• Requirements: White Card, Work Entitlement in Australia, First Aid, Dogman ticket and Excavator Operator Ticket (tickets are preferred but can be provided by the Company) 
• Experience: Previous experience with TBM, Vermeer Axis or AVN Microtunnelling Machines (preferred but not required) 
• Willing and able to travel, work in confined spaces and at heights