On every development site, talents in the field shape the landscape with expertise and precision. Among them is Belmiro Esteves-Rodrigues, bulldozer operator – bullist – at ECT since 2023. He embodies a mastery that combines cutting-edge technology with the specific know-how of operating public works machinery on the slopes and embankments of our sites.
A career forged by experience
Belmiro began his career at the age of 17 in Portugal, where he acquired solid experience of bulldozer and shovel operation. He began with forestry work, essential for fire prevention. He then moved into earthmoving on motorway construction sites in the mountains. “I’m no stranger to working on steep terrain in complete safety.
After arriving in France in 2006, Belmiro continued his career with a construction equipment rental company. For certain projects, ECT rents out machines with drivers to meet specific needs. It was in this context that Dimitri Evanno, ECT site manager, spotted Belmiro’s potential. As for Belmiro, he wanted “to settle down in a company where I could follow the project from start to finish”. This meeting led him to join the ECT teams in 2023.
Expertise and technology for precise modeling
Today, Belmiro operates a precision machine, the Caterpillar D5LGP bulldozer, equipped with the Trimble 3D GPS system. He shapes the soil received from building and civil engineering clients to create the models for future developments. His passion for the job has led him to work at several ECT sites, including Porcheville (78), Crespière (78), Iverny (77) and, currently, Chelles (77).
On the Chelles site, he takes on his biggest challenge yet. Fickle weather for almost a year and severe topographical constraints demand absolute rigor. It’s precisely this kind of challenge that motivates him. “What I like best is to see how the land brought in can be used to create the future park here in Chelles.”
Like a millefeuille, each layer of soil, whether excavated, loamy or fertile substrate, is terraced to shape the new relief. “Soil, its texture and how to shape it hold (almost) no secrets for me”. His bulldozer is an extension of his know-how. “A bull on the slopes is put to the test, so you have to take good care of it.” Meticulously maintained, his machine is a true daily work partner.
Belmiro is the only ECT operator to have mastered Trimble 3D GPS guidance, and has undergone additional training to take full advantage of this technology. The layout plan is directly integrated into the bulldozer’s GPS. This provides a real-time view of the terrain’s topography. “It saves time. We’re more precise and avoid costly earthworks.” Belmiro goes so far as to plant marker posts to improve the precision of his colleagues’ work. The system works by satellite, in conjunction with the plans drawn up by surveyors. “But there’s no substitute for experience and reading contour lines in the field.
A job of passion and commitment
Being a “bullist” often means having a real passion for one’s craft. For Belmiro, it means learning every day, striving for constant improvement. It requires patience and courage. “What qualities do you need for this job ? To be passionate, to never let yourself get stuck, and to always strive to progress.” Safety issues are also paramount. Ensuring that everyone on the site is protected fosters team spirit and solidarity.
As the inauguration approaches in June, Belmiro can’t wait to see the Parc Jacques Chirac come to life and welcome walkers. Then he’ll be able to look back with pride and say, “With my bull, I helped make it happen.” His next challenge : the Coubert site, a project run in partnership with SAFER IDF, dedicated to agricultural and landscape restoration.
