Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: (Experienced) Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Description

This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities work, requiring an experienced heavy equipment professional with at least 5 years of hands-on expertise in gravity sewer and mainline installation. You will safely excavate deep utility trenches, install a variety of pipe systems and sanitary sewer structures, and restore work areas while adhering to strict safety standards. The position involves regular travel to different project sites, offers overtime opportunities, and provides hotel and per diem coverage while on the road.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to safely excavate trenches ranging from 5 to over 30 feet deep for underground utilities and gravity sewer systems.
• Follow precise grade stakes, slopes, and layout requirements to ensure proper gravity flow for sewer and wastewater systems.
• Handle, set, and install various pipe types, including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron, in diameters ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures according to project specifications and industry standards.
• Perform backfilling, compacting, and restoration of surfaces after pipe and structure installation to ensure stable, finished work areas.
• Apply strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards on every job site.
• Maintain and demonstrate "competent person" level understanding of excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Use GPS and related technology to assist with grade, alignment, and equipment positioning during excavation and pipe laying activities.
• Work collaboratively with the underground utilities crew to complete sewer system and wastewater projects efficiently and safely.
• Travel to various project locations, primarily within the Knoxville area, and adapt to different site conditions and schedules.
• Inspect equipment before use, report issues promptly, and contribute to safe, reliable operation of heavy equipment.
• Follow all company and site-specific safety policies and procedures in a fast-paced, safety-conscious construction environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience operating excavators in underground utilities work.
• Strong, proven experience in gravity sewer and mainline installation.
• Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, including excavators and related construction equipment.
• Hands-on experience with underground utilities, sewer systems, and wastewater projects.
• Ability to safely excavate trenches from 5 to over 30 feet deep while maintaining precise grades and slopes.
• Skill in handling and installing VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron pipe ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Experience installing manholes and sanitary sewer structures.
• Knowledge of trenching and shoring practices and their application in the field.
• Strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Training and practical understanding consistent with an excavation "competent person" designation.
• GPS experience for grade control, layout, and equipment guidance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment with a strong focus on safety.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to different project sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Broad construction and equipment operation experience beyond excavators.
• Experience in pipe laying for sewer, wastewater, and other underground utility systems.
• Familiarity with shoring systems and trench protection equipment.
• Experience working within organized underground utility crews on large-scale projects.
• Capability to read and follow site plans, grade stakes, and construction specifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for coordinating with field crews and supervisors.
• Reliability and professionalism when working on multiple job sites with varying schedules.

Why Work Here?

You join a well-established organization recognized as one of the most respected and reliable in its industry, offering clear paths for advancement and long-term growth. Exceptional performance is rewarded with pay rate increases, and many contractors transition into permanent roles and continue to earn promotions. The company celebrates success with inclusive events, such as annual Christmas parties for both field and office teams, featuring high-value prizes and recognition. You can access benefits early through the staffing partner, and after a contract-to-hire period you become eligible for comprehensive benefits, including retirement plans and additional perks, supporting both your career and financial well-being.

Work Environment

You work in a fast-paced, safety-conscious construction environment focused on underground utilities and sewer system projects. The organization has operated since 1989 and maintains a strong reputation for reliability in its industry. You travel to different project sites in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, while the company’s headquarters is based in Knoxville. The role involves daily use of heavy equipment such as excavators, trenching and shoring systems, and GPS technology for grade control and layout. Field work is outdoors in varying weather and site conditions, requiring appropriate workwear suitable for construction sites and adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Asheville, NC.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Asheville,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.