Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

Excavator Operator

Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout South Dakota and surrounding states? We're hiring skilled excavator operators to support our growing telecom construction operations. Ideal candidates will bring hands-on experience in civil construction, utility work, or roadbuilding, with a focus on excavation for fiber optic conduit installation. Applicants should be comfortable operating equipment in both rural and urban environments, working around existing utilities. Projects are located throughout Arizona, South Dakota and surrounding states, with crews typically rotating to a new project location approximately every four weeks.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate mini excavator and skid steers for civil construction and earthwork activities
• Safely excavate around existing underground utilities, including electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, following required locate and safe-dig procedures
• Place soil and aggregate in appropriate lifts to allow for effective compaction
• Recognize how different soil types respond to moisture and compaction
• Support crews with conduit placement and cable installation to keep production moving
• Complete daily inspections and basic maintenance checks to keep equipment running reliably
• Helping with hand digging and conduit installation
• Communicate clearly with crew members and supervisors to maintain safe, efficient production and meet daily project goals

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating mini excavators and skid steers in underground utilities, roadbuilding, or a related industry.
• Experience with fiber optic or underground utility installation is an asset
• Ability to read construction drawings, interpret utility locates, identify potential conflicts, and assess trench routes before digging
• Knowledge of proper backfilling, soil conditions, lift thickness, moisture levels, and compaction requirements
• Ability to recognize unsuitable soil, unexpected utilities, and unsafe site conditions
• Strong understanding of safe digging practices and job site safety standards
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Competitive hourly wage
• Must have reliable transportation
• Monday to Friday schedule
• Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided
• Travel required
• Full health, dental, vision
• 401(k) matching
• Outdoor work in variable conditions