Heavy Equipment Operator Intern

McConnell & Associates

Location: St. Louis, MO

Employment Type: Internship (Full-Time / Seasonal)

About Us

McConnell & Associates is a leading employee-owned civil and sports construction company serving clients throughout the Midwest. We perform earthwork, grading, drainage, and site preparation services that support durable infrastructure and athletic facilities. Safety, reliability, and quality guide everything we do. As a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), our employee-owners share directly in the success they help create.

Position Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator Intern (Dirt Crew) offers students and hands-on learners real-world experience operating heavy machinery and learning earthwork operations. Working under the guidance of senior operators, this role provides practical exposure to earthmoving, site preparation, and field operations across our St. Louis market.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

  • Receive hands-on training and operate heavy equipment, including mini excavators, skid steers, rollers, dozers, track loaders, and front-end loaders.

  • Perform daily pre-operation inspections, basic equipment maintenance, and report service needs to the shop team.

  • Assist in loading, unloading, and securing machinery for transport.

Field Operations & Jobsite Support

  • Perform vital hands-on labor on the jobsite, including potholing utilities, spreading rock, installing pipe, and operating handheld power tools.

  • Assist with jobsite layout, material handling, site prep, and overall cleanup.

  • Drive various sizes of company trucks to and from jobsites as authorized.

Safety & Professionalism

  • Prioritize safety in all daily activities and adhere to all company safety policies.

  • Report directly to the Foreman and follow daily jobsite instructions prompt and punctually.

  • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence on every jobsite.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Education: Currently enrolled in a Heavy Equipment Operation or related vocational/technical degree program

  • Work Ethic & Experience: Strong work ethic with a desire to learn; prior experience operating machinery in agriculture or construction is a plus

  • Licensing & Driving Record: Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL or interest in acquiring CDL is a plus). Relatively clean motor vehicle report (applicants with drug or alcohol driving offenses in the last three years will not be considered; other violations evaluated per insurance standards)

  • Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting heavy objects, standing/walking for extended periods, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions

  • Availability: Ability to work 40–60 hours per week, including Saturdays as needed

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive Hourly Wage

  • Paid Holidays.

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

  • 401K Savings Plan With a Company Match

  • CDL A training and OSHA certifications

  • Career Growth: Direct pathway to full-time opportunities with MAC upon graduation.

McConnell & Associates is proud to be a drug-free, equal opportunity employer.
In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non-job related disability, or any other protected group status.

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