MINI EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Job Title

Mini Excavator Operator

Job Description

The Mini Excavator Operator will be responsible for safely and effectively operating mini excavators (compact excavators) for installation, maintenance, and repair of ITS systemsincluding sensor pits, RWIS cabinets, conduit trenches, and roadside cabinetsalong DOT-administered roadways and work zones. This role requires coordination with traffic control, safety personnel, and ITS technicians to ensure system integration and preservation of roadway functionality.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate a mini excavator to perform: Trenching for ITS elements such as sensor pits, conduit installations, handholes, cabinets, and related components. Potholing (e.g., vacuum excavation) to locate and verify underground utilities, especially in ITS and DOT work zones. Dugging, backfilling, loading/unloading soils or materials, and transporting spoils onto trucks.
• Read, interpret, and work from site plans, blueprints, and work packages, executing tasks per design requirements.
• Conduct pre- and post-shift equipment inspections, including checking fluid levels, greasing joints, and interfacing with fleet or maintenance teams to report defects or schedule servicing.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning, fueling, greasing, minor adjustments, and ensure safe, efficient machine operation.
• Complete Pre-task plans, method statements, and job hazard analyses.
• Following and proactively enforcing safety protocols, MUTCD-compliant traffic control plans, stop-work authority, and other DOT safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe and organized work area, including proper equipment storage, housekeeping, tool stowage, and overall site cleanliness.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with Supervisors, the Superintendent, Project Manager, ITS technicians, and traffic control personnel to align on task progress, safety concerns, and site logistics.
• Coordinate loading/unloading materials (e.g., conduits, backfill) as directed.
• May assist in equipment transport, rigging attachments, or changing buckets as needed.
• Stay alert to site hazards, including utility risks, live traffic zones, weather changes, and machine limitations; take corrective actions and report issues promptly.
• Signing safety forms and logs.
• Participating in tailgate/safety meetings.
• Completing safety checklists and complying with DOT-standard documentation.
• Other duties may include assisting with related ITS installation tasks, especially during downtime or as directed by leadership.

Working Conditions And Physical Efforts

• Outdoor Exposure: Work primarily outdoors, subject to varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and humidity.
• Noise Levels: Frequent exposure to high noise levels from traffic and construction equipment.
• Work Sites: Environments may include roadways, construction zones, and areas with heavy vehicle traffic.
• Travel: Occasional travel to different job sites within the region; may require overnight stays.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly; occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and crouching; ability to work in confined spaces and at heights.
• Climbing: Use of ladders and aerial lifts to access elevated work areas.
• Dexterity: Proficient use of hand tools and power equipment; ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills.
• Vision & Hearing: Adequate vision for reading schematics and performing detailed work; good hearing for communication in noisy environments.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots.
• Safety Protocols: Adherence to OSHA standards, perform pre-operation inspections covering fluids, tracks, attachments, safety systems, and visibility tools.
• Training: Participation in regular safety meetings and completion of required safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 10-Hour).
• Emergency Response: Ability to respond promptly to emergency situations, including after-hours calls.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Must carry valid certifications to operate heavy machinery.
• Experience in DOT or Roadway Infrastructure Projects.
• High school diploma or GED; at least 1 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Conditions Of Employment

• Should Carry Osha 10 Certification, and any other relevant certifications for the job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Test
• Must demonstrate eligibility to work in U.S.
• Possession of a valid driver's license is a requirement for this job.

Why Join Us? We Have Many Benefits:

• Up to two weeks of paid time off every calendar year (10 days total). Eligibility to earn +1 day every calendar year after employee's 3-year anniversary.
• Several paid company holidays
• Individual Health Coverage for the employee and for other coverage levels, including spouse, children and family.
• Dental coverage plan,
• Vision coverage plan,
• Critical Illness coverage plan,
• Accidental Injury coverage plan,
• Hospital Care Indemnity coverage plan,
• Short Term Disability Insurance (SICE Inc. currently offers 100% premium contribution)
• Life and AD&D Insurance (SICE Inc. currently offers 100% premium contribution)
• Eligibility to participate in SICE's 401K Plan, with 50% employer match, capped at 2% of employee's salary.
• Training and Growth opportunities.

Ready To Join The Team?

You may upload your resume on your online application in the following formats to the link provided at the very top of the page. As well as remit via email to View email address on click.appcast.io

• Word
• PDF

No phone-calls, please.

SICE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Drug-Free Work Place