Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Title:

(Experienced) Traveling Excavator Operator Job Description

This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities work, requiring an experienced heavy equipment professional with at least 5 years of hands-on expertise in gravity sewer and mainline installation. You will safely excavate deep utility trenches, install a variety of pipe systems and sanitary sewer structures, and restore work areas while adhering to strict safety standards. The position involves regular travel to different project sites, offers overtime opportunities, and provides hotel and per diem coverage while on the road.

• Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to safely excavate trenches ranging from 5 to over 30 feet deep for underground utilities and gravity sewer systems.
• Follow precise grade stakes, slopes, and layout requirements to ensure proper gravity flow for sewer and wastewater systems.
• Handle, set, and install various pipe types, including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron, in diameters ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures according to project specifications and industry standards.
• Perform back filling, compacting, and restoration of surfaces after pipe and structure installation to ensure stable, finished work areas.
• Apply strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards on every job site.
• Maintain and demonstrate "competent person" level understanding of excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Use GPS and related technology to assist with grade, alignment, and equipment positioning during excavation and pipe laying activities.
• Work collaboratively with the underground utilities crew to complete sewer system and wastewater projects efficiently and safely.
• Travel to various project locations, primarily within the Knoxville area, and adapt to different site conditions and schedules.
• Inspect equipment before use, report issues promptly, and contribute to safe, reliable operation of heavy equipment.
• Follow all company and site-specific safety policies and procedures in a fast-paced, safety-conscious construction environment.

• At least 5 years of experience operating excavators in underground utilities work.
• Strong, proven experience in gravity sewer and mainline installation.
• Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, including excavators and related construction equipment.
• Hands-on experience with underground utilities, sewer systems, and wastewater projects.
• Ability to safely excavate trenches from 5 to over 30 feet deep while maintaining precise grades and slopes.
• Skill in handling and installing VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron pipe ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Experience installing manholes and sanitary sewer structures.
• Knowledge of trenching and shoring practices and their application in the field.
• Strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Training and practical understanding consistent with an excavation "competent person" designation.
• GPS experience for grade control, layout, and equipment guidance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment with a strong focus on safety.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to different project sites.

• Broad construction and equipment operation experience beyond excavators.
• Experience in pipe laying for sewer, wastewater, and other underground utility systems.
• Familiarity with shoring systems and trench protection equipment.
• Experience working within organized underground utility crews on large-scale projects.
• Capability to read and follow site plans, grade stakes, and construction specifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for coordinating with field crews and supervisors.
• Reliability and professionalism when working on multiple job sites with varying schedules.

You join a well-established organization recognized as one of the most respected and reliable in its industry, offering clear paths for advancement and long-term growth. Exceptional performance is rewarded with pay rate increases, and many contractors…