Excavator Operator — Mainline Pipe Crew (Largo, MD)

About this role

Join a heavy civil construction Mainline Pipe Crew in Largo, MD as an Excavator Operator. You’ll run large hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or similar) for trenching, grading, and bulk earthwork on water, sewer, and storm drainage projects. This is hands-on field work focused on safe, accurate excavation and working with crew leads and foremen to keep the job moving. You must have a minimum of three years’ heavy civil excavation experience, be comfortable reading plans/grade stakes and using lasers or GPS machine control, and be prepared for physically demanding outdoor work. Daily equipment checks, basic maintenance, and strict adherence to OSHA and site safety protocols are part of the job.

What you'll do

• • Operate large hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or equivalent) for trenching, grading, and mass earthmoving.
• • Excavate trenches and trenches for mainline water, sewer, and storm drainage pipe installation to specified grades and tolerances.
• • Read and verify construction plans, grade stakes, laser levels, and GPS guidance; adjust work to match project layout and grade control.
• • Perform daily pre-shift equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues to site supervision.
• • Follow site safety plans and OSHA standards for trenching, sloping, traffic control, and confined space when applicable; work with spotters and crew for safe operations.
• • Coordinate with labor crews, pipe crews, and supervisors to sequence work, maintain production, and minimize rework.

What we're looking for

• • Minimum 3 years operating excavators in heavy civil construction (site development, utility, or mass excavation).
• • Proven experience excavating for mainline pipe (water, sewer, storm) and working to grade/tolerance.
• • Ability to read construction plans, grade stakes, and use laser levels; GPS machine control experience is a plus.
• • Strong knowledge of trenching safety, soil conditions, sloping/shoring requirements, and OSHA regulations.
• • Valid driver’s license required; CDL‑A preferred. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• • Able to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather and lift/handle jobsite materials as needed.

Qualifications

• • Valid driver’s license required; CDL‑A preferred.
• • Minimum 3 years heavy civil excavator operation experience.
• • Familiarity with GPS machine control and laser grade equipment (preferred).
• • Knowledge of OSHA trenching and excavation safety requirements.
• • Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check; able to provide work references.

What we offer

• • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options available.
• • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• • Paid time off and paid holidays.
• • Overtime opportunities on multi-week projects and emergency callouts.
• • Boot/gear allowance and site-specific safety training and certification support.

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