Excavator Operator - Construction; Seasonal

Excavator Operator - Construction (Seasonal)

Job Category: Equipment Operator

Requisition Number: EXCAV
003077

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• Posted :
  February 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Showing 1 location

KRM NS CONSTRUCTION
4101 BEMIDJI AVENUE NORTH
BEMIDJI, MN 56601, USA

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P Mid Cap 400 index.

This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, rock, and other materials on construction sites. This role ensures safe and efficient operation of excavators to support the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. Maintenance of equipment and hand work related to site construction projects should be expected.

This is a seasonal position that generally requires travel through Northern Minnesota and North Dakota with other work locations as assigned. Lodging assistance (generally in the form of a Per Diem) is provided.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)

• Perform daily equipment, walk around and site inspections to identify and correct any unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
• Safely and properly perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling and cleaning) on excavation equipment.
• Safely and properly operate excavation equipment
• Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high stress situations. Self-motivated, team-player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with co-workers and managers/supervisors.
• Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance. Constantly working in an environment with:
  Sitting, reaching and handling.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

• A successful Excavator Operator for Knife River Materials will have:
• A strong desire to work safe
• A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent critical thinking skills
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record with a CDL preferred
• Knowledge and/or experience with a variety of heavy equipment
• 3+ Years work with an Excavator in a construction environment or similar experience strongly preferred but not required

COMPENSATION:

Estimated Wage: $35.00 to 46.61 Per Hour-depending on work location

BENEFITS:

Benefits are through the Local 49 Operating Engineers Union

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If unable to apply online, mail completed application to:
ATTN HR PO Box 40 Bemidji, MN 56619

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.