Shawn Ellingson
Sioux Falls
Summary
Dedicated Heavy Equipment Operator with expertise in safety compliance and machine maintenance. Demonstrated ability to operate multiple equipment types efficiently while prioritizing safety and effective communication on excavation projects. Reliable Heavy Equipment Operator skilled in task prioritization and effective communication. Experienced in managing equipment operations and training new operators, committed to maintaining safety and enhancing team performance in excavation projects.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Heavy Equipment Operator
RMS Excavation
Sioux Falls
04.2024 - 11.2025
- Operated heavy machinery for excavation and grading tasks on various job sites.
- Conducted pre-operation inspections to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Collaborated with team members to execute project plans effectively and efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment at all times.
- Assisted in training new operators on equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Maintained equipment by performing routine checks and minor repairs as needed.
- Communicated with supervisors regarding project progress and equipment issues promptly.
- Operated multiple pieces of heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner to excavate land for construction projects.
- Operated front end loader to move dirt and different base materials.
- Followed safety protocols while operating machinery in order to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Operated excavators and other construction equipment to properly grade land.
- Performed routine inspections on all heavy machinery prior to use.
- Kept equipment fueled and ready for immediate use to support scheduling demands.
- Learned about new equipment and related attachments while maintaining knowledge of items used daily to meet job requirements.
- Transported materials from one site to another using off-road vehicles.
- Oversaw proper PPE use to facilitate working conditions compliant with safety regulations.
- Followed signals from ground crew and other operators to safely move materials and prevent dangerous interactions or missed cues.
- Managed daily operations of heavy equipment fleet, including troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
- Inspected faulty equipment to identify and address root causes.
- Assisted drivers, equipment operators, and other employees in grouping and sorting materials.
- Utilized GPS systems to accurately plot out job sites for excavation purposes.
- Positioned or moved loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- Connected hydraulic hoses, belts and mechanical linkages to tractors.
- Coordinated machine operations with other site personnel to keep materials moving smoothly and prevent accidents.
- Operated compactors, scrapers or rollers to level and compact refuse at disposal grounds.
- Adjusted throttles, switches and pedals to operate bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders or backhoes.
- Checked fuel supplies at sites to verify adequate availability.
- Adjusted handwheels and depressed pedals to control blades, buckets and scrapers.
- Turned valves to control air or water output of compressors or pumps.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Lidel Construction
Sioux Falls
2014 - 2024
- Operated heavy machinery for excavation and grading tasks on various job sites.
- Collaborated with team members to execute project plans effectively and efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment at all times.
- Maintained equipment by performing routine checks and minor repairs as needed.
- Assisted in training new operators on equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Communicated with supervisors regarding project progress and equipment issues promptly.
- Followed safety protocols while operating machinery in order to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Followed signals from ground crew and other operators to safely move materials and prevent dangerous interactions or missed cues.
Customer Service and Warehouse
Sunset Strip Pawn
Sioux Falls
2000 - 2014
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
Education
Yes -
Minot High School
Minot, ND05-1994
Skills
- Equipment operation
- Safety compliance
- Machine maintenance
- Site excavation
- Vehicle inspection
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Materials handling
- Task prioritization
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Training others
- Time management
- Customer engagement
- Water truck operation
- Inclement working conditions
- Material spreading techniques
- Land clearing techniques
- Debris removal
- Laser-guided leveling systems
- Backhoe operation
- Following directions
- Wheel grader operation
- Valid Driver's license
- OSHA certification
- All-terrain forklift operation
- Heavy lifting proficiency
- Communicating job status
- Ground disturbance issues
- Material handling equipment
- Front end loader handling
- Commercial construction experience
- Preventive Maintenance
- Excavation depth control
- Heavy equipment operation
- First aid training
Certification
OSHA, MSHA
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Heavy Equipment Operator
RMS Excavation
04.2024 - 11.2025
Heavy Equipment Operator
Lidel Construction
2014 - 2024
Customer Service and Warehouse
Sunset Strip Pawn
2000 - 2014
Yes -
Minot High School