Excavator Operator

Job Description

We are seeking Excavator Operators in the Richmond, VA area to work on utility/grade projects.

Operate power‑driven excavators equipped with movable shovels to excavate or move dirt, rock, sand, and other materials as directed.

• Receive written or oral instructions from supervisors regarding material to move or excavate.
• Operate the machine – push levers and depress pedals to lower, pull the shovel into stockpiled material, dig into ground, and lift, swing, and dump contents into truck or stockpile in a smooth, controlled manner.
• Work with pipe on utility jobs and safely inside trench boxes.
• Perform tasks as needed on bridge jobs, moving or placing materials.
• Observe markings on the ground, hand signals, or grade stakes when operating at excavation or utility sites.
• Inspect, clean, maintain, and lubricate equipment.
• Operate in a safe and responsible manner.

None

Expected base pay range: $26–$36 per hour.

Compensation decisions consider education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. Incentive pay or benefits will be provided separately when appropriate.

Employees are routinely exposed to moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, toxic or caustic chemicals, and electrical shock. Noise levels are usually loud. Construction sites may be isolated or high‑traffic with other equipment and workers.

Requires frequent use of hands and arms, scooping and moving materials, standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Must lift or move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Must work on uneven ground and access barges or piers on moving surfaces. Adequate vision (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, focus) is required.

• Four to ten years of related experience and/or training in operating heavy equipment; experience commensurate with project requirements.
• English language proficiency; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
• Reasoning ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Certified or approved by Safety Department, Equipment Manager, or Operations Manager; licensed as required by local jurisdiction (DC operators must be licensed); must pass a practical test.

Kokosing offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan.

Kokosing is a federal and state contractor and an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action company. No discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.