Excavator Operator

About This Role

Join a heavy civil crew in Richmond, VA as an Excavator Operator. You’ll run hydraulic excavators (Cat 330, 336, 349 or similar) on mainline pipe and mass excavation jobs—digging trenches, grading slopes, and setting up footing for utilities with precision and an eye for safety. This role is hands-on: read construction plans and grade stakes, use laser levels or GPS machine control when required, perform daily equipment checks and routine maintenance, and work with crews and supervisors to meet production targets. Expect heavy, outdoor work on large-scale earthmoving projects with overtime available when needed.

What You'll Do

• • Operate hydraulic excavators (Cat 330, 336, 349 or similar) for trenching, digging, grading and mass excavation
• • Excavate and prepare trenches and bedding for mainline water, sewer, and storm drainage pipe
• • Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, laser levels and site layout instructions
• • Perform daily pre- and post-shift equipment inspections, routine maintenance and report mechanical issues
• • Work with crew members, operators, foremen and supervisors to meet production and safety goals
• • Follow trench safety, dewatering, slope protection and OSHA/site safety procedures at all times

What We're Looking For

• • Minimum 3 years operating hydraulic excavators in heavy civil construction
• • Experience on mainline pipe installation or large-scale mass excavation preferred
• • Ability to read plans, grade stakes and use laser levels; GPS machine control experience a plus
• • Strong knowledge of trenching safety, soil conditions and excavation techniques
• • Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred
• • Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check

Qualifications

• • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent construction experience)
• • Minimum 3 years of heavy civil excavator experience
• • Valid driver's license; CDL a plus
• • OSHA 10-hour (required) or OSHA 30-hour preferred
• • Equipment operator certification (NCCER or equivalent) a plus
• • Able to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check

What We Offer

• • Competitive hourly pay plus overtime opportunities
• • Medical, dental and vision insurance available after probationary period
• • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• • Paid time off and holiday pay
• • Paid training and certification support (equipment/GPS/OSHA)

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