Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Description

This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities, with a strong emphasis on gravity sewer and mainline installation. The position requires an experienced heavy equipment operator who can safely excavate deep trenches, install a wide range of pipe types and sanitary sewer structures, and restore job sites to specification. This is a travel-based opportunity that offers consistent overtime potential, with hotel accommodations and per diem covered while working away from home.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to support underground utility construction, with a primary focus on gravity sewer and mainline installation.
• Safely excavate trenches ranging from 5 to over 30 feet deep, maintaining precise grades and slopes to ensure proper gravity flow.
• Interpret and follow grade stakes, laser or GPS guidance, and site plans to achieve accurate trench depths, slopes, and alignments.
• Handle, position, and set various pipe types, including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron, ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Assist with or perform pipe laying activities for sewer and wastewater systems, ensuring correct alignment, joint integrity, and bedding.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures according to project specifications and industry standards.
• Backfill, compact, and restore surfaces after pipe and structure installation, ensuring stability and proper site restoration.
• Apply trenching and shoring techniques to maintain safe excavations and protect workers and equipment in and around trenches.
• Follow and enforce OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards at all times.
• Act as or support the designated competent person for excavation activities, continuously monitoring trench conditions and safety.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment, coordinating with crew members, foremen, and project leadership to meet schedule and quality expectations.
• Travel regularly to different project sites in and around Knoxville and adapt to varying site conditions, schedules, and project requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 8 years of experience operating excavators and heavy equipment in underground utilities.
• Demonstrated experience with gravity sewer and mainline installation.
• Proven ability to safely excavate trenches from 5 to over 30 feet deep while maintaining precise grades and slopes for gravity flow.
• Hands-on experience handling and setting VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron pipes ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Experience installing manholes and related sanitary sewer structures.
• Experience in trenching, shoring, and underground utility construction.
• Working knowledge of sewer systems and wastewater infrastructure.
• Proficiency with GPS-guided equipment or GPS systems used in construction and excavation.
• Strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Training or experience as an excavation competent person or in a similar safety-focused capacity.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to different project sites in the Knoxville area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of heavy equipment beyond excavators is beneficial.
• Experience in construction and general equipment operation.
• Familiarity with underground utility installation best practices and local standards.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with field crews and supervisors.
• Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, plans, and construction documentation.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed to meet project deadlines.

Why Work Here?

This organization offers a long-term, career-focused environment where strong performance leads to advancement and recognition. Many contractors convert to permanent employees, and internal promotions are common, demonstrating a commitment to developing and rewarding talent. Team members enjoy company-wide celebrations, including an annual holiday event for both field and office staff that features meaningful recognition and high-value prizes. The company values hard work and is willing to reward it with pay increases and expanded opportunities. Employees can access benefits early through the contracting firm, and after the contract-to-hire period, they become eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement savings options such as a 401(k). The organization has been established since 1989 and is recognized as a respected and reliable leader in its industry, offering stability, continuity, and pride in the projects completed.

Work Environment

The role operates in a fast-paced, safety-conscious construction environment focused on underground utilities and sewer infrastructure. Work takes place primarily outdoors on active job sites, involving heavy equipment, excavation, trenching, and installation of sewer and wastewater systems. The organization has been in operation since 1989 and is known as a respected and reliable presence in its sector, providing a stable and professional setting. The position is travel-based, with projects located in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, and the company headquartered in Knoxville. Candidates must be willing to travel regularly to different project locations, with hotel accommodations and per diem covered when working away from home. The work schedule often includes opportunities for overtime, and employees are expected to consistently follow strict safety protocols, particularly OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation standards. Appropriate field attire and personal protective equipment are required to meet safety and job site expectations.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.

\nCompany 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.

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.