Excavator Operator - Site Development

Excavator Operator

Our client is a site development contractor serving Western Pennsylvania with earthwork, grading, underground utilities, drainage, concrete preparation, and related construction services. We're committed to delivering projects safely, efficiently, and with a high standard of workmanship. As we continue to grow our field operations, we're seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support site development projects and help drive production in the field.

The Excavator Operator will safely and efficiently operate excavators and related heavy equipment on site development projects from initial excavation through utility installation support, back filling, and final site work. You'll work closely with foremen, pipe crews, laborers, truck drivers, and other operators to trench to grade, handle materials, protect existing utilities, and maintain safe, productive job sites. This role requires strong machine control, awareness around underground infrastructure, and experience working on active earthwork and utility construction sites.

Field Operations & Execution

• Operate excavators to perform trenching, excavation, back filling, ditching, grading support, foundation digging, and material handling on site development projects.
• Support underground utility, stormwater, sanitary, waterline, drainage, and earthwork operations by excavating to line and grade and assisting crews with pipe installation and site access.
• Use buckets, hydraulic attachments, trench boxes, and lifting practices as needed to safely dig, load, place, and move materials and structures on site.
• Follow grade stakes, trench depths, laser levels, GPS machine controls, plans, and supervisor direction to achieve required elevations, slopes, and tolerances.
• Coordinate daily with foremen, pipe crews, and other operators to keep work moving efficiently and safely across multiple phases of the project.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Conduct pre-shift inspections and basic daily maintenance, including checking fluids, grease points, undercarriage condition, hydraulic performance, and reporting repair needs promptly.
• Maintain safe working distances around underground utilities, trench edges, structures, personnel, and other moving equipment.
• Follow OSHA requirements, trenching and shoring safety practices, company safety policies, site-specific safety plans, and supervisor instructions at all times.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready job site by managing spoils, preserving access routes, and identifying hazards early.

Production & Job Cost Awareness

• Work efficiently to meet daily production goals without sacrificing safety, trench accuracy, utility protection, or quality.
• Accurately record hours worked, equipment usage, and job phase or cost code information to support field reporting and job costing.
• Communicate equipment issues, changing soil conditions, utility conflicts, and production concerns to the foreman or superintendent in a timely manner.

Team Collaboration

• Work alongside laborers, pipe crews, truck drivers, and other heavy equipment operators to support overall project success.
• Maintain a professional, team-oriented attitude on job sites and contribute to a safety-first culture.

What's required:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Relevant heavy equipment training, apprenticeship, or equivalent field experience accepted.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience operating excavators on site development, utility, trenching, grading, roadway, or earthwork projects.
• Technical Skills:
• Ability to operate excavators safely and productively for trenching, back filling, utility support, and material placement.
• Ability to read grade stakes and work from plans, layout references, laser guidance, or GPS machine control systems.
• Basic understanding of trench safety, excavation sequencing, slope control, pipe installation support, and utility awareness.
• Valid driver's license required.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Travel: Ability to report to job sites throughout Western Pennsylvania; occasional early starts, overtime, or varying site locations may be required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to climb on and off heavy equipment, sit for extended periods, work outdoors in varying weather, walk uneven terrain, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

What's preferred:

• Experience with underground utility installation, trench box work, and setting pipe or structures to grade.
• GPS excavator experience.
• Familiarity with civil construction plans, trench layouts, utility elevations, and production work on commercial or residential site development projects.
• Ability to operate additional heavy equipment such as dozers, loaders, rollers, or skid steers.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Hourly pay based on experience, skill level, and production capability.
• Equipment & Tools: Company-provided equipment and support to perform the job safely and effectively.
• Benefits: Benefits package offered based on…