Excavator Operator

This role operates excavators on large-scale construction projects with a focus on underground utilities for data centers. You will perform precise excavation for electrical duct banks, maintain proper slopes, and support safe trenching operations. The position offers long-term, contract-to-hire opportunities with consistent overtime and the potential to travel to additional project sites.

• Operate excavators to perform excavation for underground utilities, including electrical duct banks on data center projects.
• Control and maintain proper slopes during excavation, applying slope ratio knowledge such as 1:3 and 1:4 to ensure grade accuracy and stability.
• Use GPS and laser equipment to shoot grade for excavation activities, or learn and apply these technologies through on-the-job training if needed.
• Support safe trenching operations, applying trenching safety knowledge at all times to protect personnel and maintain site compliance.
• Work with trench boxes when present on site, using knowledge of trench boxes to support safe shoring and shielding practices.
• Coordinate with site supervision and other trades to ensure excavation aligns with project plans, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Adapt to early start times and changing schedules as lighting and site conditions evolve, maintaining reliability and punctuality.
• Wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including cold weather gear and steel-toe footwear, throughout all work activities.
• Work extended hours as needed, including regular 60-hour work weeks and potential schedules such as 5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, or 7x10s.

• Experience operating excavators in construction environments, particularly for excavation related to underground utilities.
• Hands-on excavation experience for electrical duct banks or similar underground utility installations.
• Ability to control and maintain excavation slopes, with working knowledge of slope ratios such as 1:3 and 1:4.
• Trenching safety knowledge and the ability to apply safe work practices in and around trenches.
• Willingness and ability to work primarily 60-hour work weeks and adjust to schedules that may include 5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, or 7x10s.
• Capability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while wearing appropriate PPE, including cold weather gear and steel-toe footwear.

• GPS experience for grade control during excavation is a strong plus.
• Laser experience to shoot grade and verify excavation elevations is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of trench boxes and their use in supporting safe trenching operations is a significant advantage.
• Experience working on data center construction projects, particularly involving underground utilities, is beneficial.
• Openness to training on GPS systems if prior experience is limited, with a willingness to learn and apply new technology on the job.
• Interest in long-term opportunities, including contract-to-hire arrangements and potential regional travel to additional project sites.

This opportunity offers a long-term career path on high-profile data center projects with a clear contract-to-hire structure. You benefit from consistent overtime, competitive per diem for days worked, and the possibility of merit-based raises. Strong performers have the chance to convert to permanent roles early and join growing regional travel teams, providing stability, growth, and ongoing project opportunities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Troy, OH.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including…