Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities
Location: Charles Town, WV
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 Charles Town, WV.
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.