Heavy Equipment Operator - Sideboom

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator – Sideboom for a full-time, on-site role in Saudi Arabia. The Sideboom Operator lifts, carries, holds and lowers pipe along the right-of-way, supporting the stringing, welding, coating and lowering-in fronts on pipeline construction. Responsibilities include operating the sideboom strictly to the manufacturer's load chart and the approved lift plan, holding pipe in alignment for the welding front without shock loading, lowering welded strings into the trench in coordinated multi-machine lifts, completing documented pre-use inspections each shift and reporting defects, assessing ground bearing capacity and stability before positioning, and working to signals from the designated rigger under the direction of the Pipeline Foreman and Lifting Supervisor. The candidate will play a key role in maintaining spread progress while upholding lifting safety standards on site. Aramco-approved operators are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years operating sidebooms / pipelayers on pipeline construction, of which at least two (2) years in the GCC.
• Demonstrated experience on Caterpillar pipelayers (561, 572, 583, 587 series) or equivalent, stated by model.
• Experience of lowering-in and tandem or multi-machine lifts on live spreads.
• Working knowledge of load charts, with the ability to read and apply the chart for the boom, counterweight and radius configuration in use.
• Previous Saudi Aramco operator approval is preferred.
• Valid Saudi heavy vehicle / equipment driving licence, or ability to obtain one on mobilisation.
• Valid Medical Fitness certificate for heavy equipment operation.
• H2S Familiarization and Basic Fire Fighting / First Aid certification (or willingness to complete on mobilisation).
• Defensive Driving certificate (desirable).
• Passport valid for at least six (6) months.
• Strong background in pipeline construction operations, including stringing, welding support, lowering-in, tie-ins and crossings.
• Skills in machine inspection and operator-level maintenance, with disciplined defect reporting and daily log keeping.
• Ability to assess ground conditions, gradient and trench-edge proximity, and to work safely alongside adjacent machines and crews.
• Ability to receive and confirm hand and radio signals, and to understand permit and lift-plan briefings — functional English or Arabic sufficient for safety communication.
• Commitment to stop-work authority, exclusion zone discipline, and full PPE compliance at all times.
• Willingness to work extended shifts, six days per week, on a camp-based rotation in remote right-of-way locations.
• Cross-country transmission pipeline experience on large diameter (24 inch and above) is highly desirable.
• Prior work on Saudi Aramco scope with a main contractor is highly desirable.