Traveling Excavator Operator

Traveling Excavator Operator

This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities and gravity sewer mainline installation, requiring an experienced heavy equipment professional who can safely excavate deep trenches, install a wide range of pipe systems, and support complex wastewater and sewer projects. The position offers regular travel, consistent overtime opportunities, and company-covered hotel and per diem while working on various projects in and around Knoxville, Tennessee.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to support underground utility and sewer system construction.
• Safely excavate trenches ranging from approximately 5 feet to more than 30 feet in depth while maintaining precise grade stakes and slopes for gravity flow systems.
• Install gravity sewer and mainline systems with strong attention to proper alignment, grade, and overall system integrity.
• Handle, set, and install various types of pipe, including vitrified clay pipe (VCP), reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), PVC, and ductile iron pipe, in sizes ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures according to project specifications and industry standards.
• Backfill, compact, and restore surfaces after pipe installation to ensure site stability and proper finish.
• Follow GPS guidance and grade control systems as needed to maintain accurate excavation and pipe placement.
• Adhere strictly to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards at all times.
• Apply "competent person" training in the field to evaluate trench conditions, identify hazards, and ensure safe excavation practices.
• Work collaboratively with field crews and supervisors to complete projects on schedule and in compliance with project plans.
• Travel regularly to different project sites within the Knoxville area and adjust to varying site conditions and schedules.
• Maintain equipment in good working order by performing basic inspections and reporting any issues promptly.

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 approximately 5 to 30+ feet deep while following precise grade stakes and slopes.
• Hands-on experience 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.
• Experience in trenching, shoring, and excavation safety.
• Ability to interpret and follow grade stakes, plans, and site layouts.
• GPS experience for equipment operation and grade control.
• Knowledge of OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation standards.
• Capability to backfill, compact, and restore surfaces after pipe installation.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to multiple project sites in the Knoxville area.
• Experience working in fast-paced construction environments with a strong safety focus.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working on wastewater and sewer system projects.
• Experience in underground utility and construction environments.
• Experience with general equipment operation beyond excavators, including other heavy equipment as needed.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with field and office personnel.
• Ability to adapt to different job sites, soil conditions, and project requirements.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic, with a focus on quality and safety.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a stable and highly respected organization that has been operating since 1989 and is known for valuing and promoting talent from within. The company celebrates achievements with an annual all-hands holiday event featuring generous prizes and recognition, creating a sense of camaraderie between field and office teams. High performers receive timely pay rate increases as recognition for their contributions. Team members can access benefits early through the contracting firm and, after a short contract-to-hire period, become eligible for comprehensive benefits, including retirement options, through the company.

Work Environment

The work environment is fast paced and strongly safety conscious, with a long-standing reputation as one of the most respected and reliable organizations in the underground utilities and sewer industry. Work is field-based and involves traveling to various project sites in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, while the company maintains its headquarters in Knoxville. Employees operate heavy equipment and GPS-guided systems on active construction sites, often working around deep excavations, trenching, and shoring operations. The role typically includes regular overtime and travel, with hotel accommodations and per diem covered when working away from home.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Richmond, VA.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.