Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Fleet: CAT 320 – CAT 336 Excavators

Reports To: Team Lead

Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator looking for a permanent, direct-hire opportunity with steady work and modern iron? We are hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to join our site utility team.

In this role, you’ll be a vital part of our underground utility crew, operating heavy production excavators (
CAT 320 to CAT 336
) to dig trenches, place pipe, and manage material on site. You will work directly under the guidance of our Team Lead to execute precise, safe, and efficient utility installations.

• Precision Excavation: Dig trenches to exact grade and depth for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm, etc.) in dynamic soil conditions.
• Trench & Pipe Operations: Lift, move, and position heavy pipe, trench boxes, and utility structures directly into the trench with precision and care.
• Controlled Backfill: Place and compact backfill material in controlled lifts to ensure proper structural integrity and meet compaction specifications.
• Cross-Equipment Operation: Occasionally step into auxiliary machines, such as CAT 930 rubber-tired loaders or CAT 963 track loaders
  , to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling.
• Daily Maintenance & Logs: Perform standard pre-shift/post-shift inspections and accurately complete daily equipment logs.
• Jobsite Safety: Maintain a strict safety-first mindset around open excavations, existing utility lines, and ground personnel.

• Experience: 2 years of heavy excavator operation required (3 to 5+ years preferred
  ).
• Certifications: Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification required.
• Underground Utility Focus: Direct experience working around underground utilities is required;
  pipe laying experience is highly preferred
  .
• Fleet Familiarity: Demonstrated competency operating CAT 320 to 336 class excavators (or equivalent mid-to-heavy machines).
• Versatility: Willingness to operate support machinery (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 track loader) when needed.
• Reliability & Teamwork: Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and ability to collaborate effectively with field team members and the Team Lead.