Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Fleet: CAT 320 – CAT 336 Excavators

Reports To: Team Lead

About the Role

Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator looking for a permanent, direct-hire opportunity with steady work and modern iron? We are hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to join our site utility team.

In this role, you’ll be a vital part of our underground utility crew, operating heavy production excavators (CAT 320 to CAT 336) to dig trenches, place pipe, and manage material on site. You will work directly under the guidance of our Team Lead to execute precise, safe, and efficient utility installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Excavation: Dig trenches to exact grade and depth for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm, etc.) in dynamic soil conditions.
• Trench & Pipe Operations: Lift, move, and position heavy pipe, trench boxes, and utility structures directly into the trench with precision and care.
• Controlled Backfill: Place and compact backfill material in controlled lifts to ensure proper structural integrity and meet compaction specifications.
• Cross-Equipment Operation: Occasionally step into auxiliary machines, such as CAT 930 rubber-tired loaders or CAT 963 track loaders, to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling.
• Daily Maintenance & Logs: Perform standard pre-shift/post-shift inspections and accurately complete daily equipment logs.
• Jobsite Safety: Maintain a strict safety-first mindset around open excavations, existing utility lines, and ground personnel.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: 2 years of heavy excavator operation required (3 to 5+ years preferred).
• Certifications: Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification required.
• Underground Utility Focus: Direct experience working around underground utilities is required; pipelaying experience is highly preferred.
• Fleet Familiarity: Demonstrated competency operating CAT 320 to 336 class excavators (or equivalent mid-to-heavy machines).
• Versatility: Willingness to operate support machinery (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 track loader) when needed.
• Reliability & Teamwork: Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and ability to collaborate effectively with field team members and the Team Lead.