Excavation Foreman; Heavy Equipment Operator in Rifle

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Company: Sacred Ground Excavation LLC
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $32.00 – $45.00 per hour (based on experience)

Please Note: This is a heavy dirt and large-scale excavation role requiring extensive experience operating earthmoving equipment for site development such as underground utilities, storm water, and foundations with grading. This position is not for forklift, warehouse, or light equipment operators.

Sacred Ground Excavation, LLC is a respected excavation contractor based in New Castle, Colorado, proudly serving the region for over 20 years. Our reputation has been built on quality workmanship, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in every project we undertake. We foster a professional, team‑oriented work environment and provide our employees with consistent full‑time work, modern equipment, and the resources necessary to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.

• Highly competitive pay - based on experience
• Consistent Overtime Potential - our crews frequently average 50 hours a week during peak season, providing excellent time‑and‑a‑half take‑home pay
• Work‑Life Balance
  - Federal Holidays off and most weekends (unless contracted which is rare) Enjoy your time off.
• Modern Fleet
  - Run well‑maintained, newer equipment (mostly CAT and John Deere, less than 8 years old).
• Top‑Tier Tech
  - Trimble GPS systems used on job sites to make grading and production seamless.
• Leadership Perks
  - For qualified candidates stepping into a Foreman/Lead role, a company truck and fuel card are provided for crew transport
• Solid Benefits
  - Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Optional Aflac Supplemental Insurance, 401(k), and Paid Time Off (PTO/Vacation/Sick leave).
• Opportunity to lead and grow from within a well respected excavation company

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC is seeking an experienced and motivated Heavy Excavation Foreman/Operator Lead to operate heavy machinery and lead excavation crews on site development and excavation projects across the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen/Vail Valley.

This role requires a strong and initiative leader to balance heavy equipment operation with on‑site crew coordination to keep field projects moving safely and efficiently ensuring high safety and quality standards are met on every project.

• Equipment Operating Breakdown - including but not limited to modern CAT & Deere Excavators, Loaders, Skid Steers, Compactors, & Dump Trucks
• Read and interpret project plans, grades, and site layouts
• Perform grading, trenching, excavation, and site preparation work
• Enforce company safety procedures and OSHA compliance standards
• Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance or repair needs
• Assist with site inspections and quality control efforts
• Lead and supervise excavation crews on residential and commercial job sites
• Coordinate and execute daily job site activities and workflow
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to specifications
• Communicate effectively with project managers, subcontractors, and crew members
• Train and mentor crew members as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Minimum of 5 years of experience operating heavy equipment required (Excavators, Skid Steers, Loaders, etc.)
• Minimum of 2 years of Heavy Equipment Foreman experience required such as acting as point of contact on site, managing project workflows, and experience leading a crew
• Strong knowledge of excavation, grading, trenching, residential and civil site development operations
• Ability to read blueprints, grades, and project plans
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to work outdoors in varying Colorado weather conditions
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to safety

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) Retirement Plan