Full Time
Excavator Operator — Hampton, VA
About This Role
Join a heavy-civil crew in Hampton, VA as an Excavator Operator. You’ll run hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or similar) on mainline pipe and mass excavation projects, handling precise digging, trenching, grading, and utility installation. This role is hands-on—work outside on large projects, follow plans and laser/grade controls, and keep production moving safely and efficiently. We want experienced operators who know excavation techniques, can read plans and grade stakes, perform daily equipment checks, and work with GPS/machine-control systems when needed. If you bring a safety-first attitude and solid heavy-equipment experience, this job offers steady work, overtime opportunities, and trades-focused benefits.
What You'll Do
- • Operate hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or similar) for mainline pipe, utility trenches, grading, and mass earthmoving.
- • Read and follow construction plans, grade stakes, laser levels, and GPS/machine-control data to meet grade and alignment specs.
- • Perform daily pre-shift equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues promptly.
- • Dig trenches, set and shape bedding, backfill and compact around pipe, and perform slope work and grading as directed.
- • Work closely with crew members, flaggers, supervisors, and operators of dozers, skid steers, water trucks, and dump trucks to keep the site productive and safe.
- • Follow OSHA and site safety policies, use required PPE, and participate in toolbox talks and safety meetings.
What We're Looking For
- • Minimum 3 years operating excavators in heavy civil construction, site development, or utility installation.
- • Hands-on experience with mainline pipe work or large-scale mass excavation preferred.
- • Ability to read construction plans, grade stakes, and use laser levels or GPS machine-control.
- • Skilled in daily equipment checks, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
- • Able to work in physically demanding conditions and variable weather; reliable attendance and punctuality required.
- • Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Qualifications
- • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience)
- • Minimum 3 years excavator/operator experience on heavy civil projects
- • OSHA 10 (required) or OSHA 30 (preferred)
- • Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred
- • Ability to pass pre-employment drug test and background check
- • Experience with GPS/machine-control systems is a plus
- • English proficiency sufficient to read plans, safety docs, and follow instructions
What We Offer
- • Competitive pay with overtime opportunities
- • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- • Paid time off and recognized holidays
- • Paid training for machine-control/GPS systems and operator development
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