Excavator Operator

Career Opportunities with W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company
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The Excavator Operator maneuvers heavy, 360-degree rotating machinery to dig trenches, break concrete, lift heavy materials, and grade earth for construction, mining, or utility projects. Key duties include conducting pre-operational safety checks, interpreting site plans, and maintaining equipment, requiring 2–5 years of experience, mechanical aptitude, and strict safety compliance.

• Site Preparation: Clear land, excavate, and grade soil to established blueprints and project specifications.
• Operation & Excavation: Operate the excavator to dig trenches, foundations, and holes, as well as load debris into trucks.
• Maintenance & Safety: Perform daily safety inspections, including checking fluid levels, greasing joints, and cleaning tracks.
• Attachment Use: Utilize specialized attachments such as hammers, breakers, and grapples.
• Utility & Structure Work: Work around existing utilities with precision and assist in installing pipes and water lines.
• Team Coordination: Communicate with ground personnel and project managers to ensure accurate digging, adhering to safety protocols.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug screen with a “Negative” result.
• Eligible to work in the United States
• 2 Years of Experience preferred.
• License:
  Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Driving Record:
  Clean driving record required to meet insurance standards.
• Be willing to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold
• Experience preferred.

• Ascend/Descend ladder 8-10 feet to access equipment operating station.
• Keep equipment moving along specified path to ensure equipment is processing material to required specifications.
• Remove excess built up material at the end of shift using scraper and shovel, periodically the operator may need to use jack or chipping hammers.
• May perform other duties as assigned by Forman or Manager.

This role operates in both office and active construction site environments. Candidate must be able to perform site walks, attend field meetings, and ensure on-site safety and compliance.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities.

Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.

Our portfolio includes commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our clients’ business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.

Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.