Heavy Equipment Operator-D6 Fiber-Optic Cable Plow

Mako Industries is seeking an experienced heavy equipment operator to operate a Caterpillar D6 dozer equipped with a cable plow and front-mounted fiber-optic cable reel for the installation of approximately 14 miles of underground fiber-optic cable along an existing pipeline right-of-way in Wyoming.

The operator will be responsible for safely and efficiently plowing fiber-optic cable into the existing pipeline trench alignment while maintaining proper burial depth, cable handling, and installation quality.

This position requires demonstrated experience with cable plowing, utility installation, or similar underground construction activities. Experience operating in remote locations and winter conditions is strongly preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

- Operate a Caterpillar D6 or comparable dozer equipped with a vibratory or static cable plow and front-mounted cable reel.

- Install fiber-optic cable along the designated pipeline ROW in accordance with approved drawings and installation requirements.

- Maintain specified burial depth, alignment, and consistent forward travel speed.

- Coordinate cable payout with the ground crew to prevent excessive tension, binding, twisting, or cable damage.

- Navigate previously excavated and backfilled pipeline trench areas.

- Safely approach and work around pipeline crossings, excavations, lease roads, bores, and other underground utilities.

- Stop operations when obstructions or unsafe conditions are encountered.

- Coordinate with ground personnel during reel changes, equipment positioning, and cable handling.

- Perform daily pre-operation inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic equipment troubleshooting.

- Monitor equipment performance, hydraulic systems, plow operation, and reel payout.

- Maintain daily installation footage and equipment operating records.

- Comply with ExxonMobil, Saulsbury, Mako, and applicable BLM safety and environmental requirements.

- Operate safely in freezing temperatures, snow, high winds, and other winter conditions.

Qualifications

- Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience, preferably with Caterpillar D6-class dozers.

- Demonstrated experience operating cable plows or similar underground utility installation equipment.

- Experience with fiber-optic cable, electrical cable, or underground telecommunications installation strongly preferred.

- Ability to read alignment sheets, construction drawings, and utility crossing information.

- Understanding of underground utility identification and safe excavation practices.

- Experience working around active pipelines and existing underground infrastructure.

- Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance.

- Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with ground personnel and field supervision.

- Willingness to travel and work extended rotations in remote Wyoming locations.

Preferred Qualifications

- Prior pipeline ROW construction experience.

- Experience operating cable plows in previously excavated and backfilled trenches.

- Experience with front-mounted cable reel systems.

- Familiarity with fiber-optic cable handling limitations, including minimum bend radius and installation tension.

- Previous experience on ExxonMobil or similar major operator projects.

- Experience operating equipment in winter and frozen-ground conditions.

Physical & Working Conditions

- Extended outdoor work in remote Wyoming conditions.

- Exposure to freezing temperatures, snow, wind, mud, and uneven terrain.

- Extended periods operating heavy equipment.

- Ability to safely access and exit equipment and perform required inspections.

- Compliance with all project-specific safety, environmental, and fitness-for-duty requirements.

Performance Expectations

The operator will be expected to maximize safe daily installation productivity while maintaining cable integrity and required burial specifications.

Daily production targets will be established based on field conditions, ROW availability, approved installation methods, and project requirements.

Priority: Safe, continuous cable installation with minimal equipment downtime, cable damage, or unnecessary interruptions.