Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator (Mainline Pipe Crew)

About This Role

Experienced Excavator Operator needed in Laurel, MD for mainline pipe and mass earthwork on heavy civil projects. You’ll run large hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or similar) to dig trenches, grade, and move large volumes of material while working with the Mainline Pipe Crew. This is hands-on field work: follow plans and grade stakes, work with lasers and GPS machine control where available, perform daily inspections and basic maintenance, and follow OSHA and site safety standards. Pay range is $28.00–$35.00/hr depending on experience.

What You'll Do

• • Operate large hydraulic excavators (Cat 330/336/349 or similar) for trenching, grading, and mass excavation.
• • Excavate for water, sewer, and storm drainage mainline pipe installations to specified grades and alignments.
• • Read and follow construction plans, grade stakes and laser levels; assist with GPS machine control setup when used.
• • Perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and finish grading to project specs.
• • Conduct daily equipment inspections, perform routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues promptly.
• • Follow OSHA and site safety procedures, work with crew members and supervisors to maintain a safe, efficient jobsite.

What We're Looking For

• • Minimum 3 years operating excavators on heavy civil projects (site development, utility mains, or mass excavation).
• • Experience with mainline pipe installation or large-scale excavation is preferred.
• • Ability to read plans, grade stakes, and use laser levels; GPS machine control experience is a plus.
• • Strong knowledge of trenching safety, shoring basics, and soil conditions.
• • Able to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather and lift/move materials as needed.
• • Valid driver’s license required; CDL-A preferred. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Qualifications

• • Valid driver’s license required; CDL-A preferred for higher pay and added assignments.
• • Minimum 3+ years heavy civil excavation experience operating large hydraulic excavators.
• • Familiarity with Cat 330/336/349 or similar machines; experience with attachments a plus.
• • Experience reading construction plans, grade stakes, and using laser levels; GPS machine control a plus.
• • Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• • OSHA 10/30 or related safety training preferred.

What We Offer

• • Pay: $28.00–$35.00 per hour, based on experience.
• • Overtime opportunities (time-and-a-half) and steady work on heavy civil projects.
• • Company-provided PPE and equipment inspections to keep you safe on site.
• • Paid training and skill development for machine controls and GPS systems.
• • Predictable crews and project assignments on large infrastructure jobs.

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