Traveling Excavator Operator

Traveling Excavator Operator

This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities, with a strong emphasis on gravity sewer and mainline installation. You will operate heavy equipment to safely excavate deep trenches, install a variety of pipe systems and sanitary sewer structures, and restore work areas while strictly following safety standards. The position offers regular travel to different project sites, overtime opportunities, and covered hotel and per diem expenses.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to safely excavate trenches ranging from 5 to over 30 feet deep for underground utility and gravity sewer installations.
• Follow precise grade stakes, slopes, and layout requirements to ensure proper gravity flow and alignment of sewer and mainline systems.
• Handle, position, and set a wide range of pipe materials, including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron, in sizes from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures in accordance with project specifications and industry standards.
• Perform backfilling, compacting, and restoration of surfaces after pipe and structure installation to return work areas to a stable and finished condition.
• Apply underground utility construction practices for sewer systems and wastewater infrastructure in a safe and efficient manner.
• Use GPS technology and other guidance systems to maintain accurate grades, alignments, and depths during excavation and pipe installation.
• Adhere strictly to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards at all times on every job site.
• Demonstrate and apply "competent person" training in trenching and excavation by identifying hazards, implementing protective systems, and ensuring safe work conditions.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment, coordinating with crew members to meet project schedules and quality requirements.
• Travel regularly to different project locations in and around Knoxville as assigned, maintaining reliability and flexibility in scheduling.
• Conduct equipment inspections and basic maintenance checks to ensure safe and efficient operation of excavators and related heavy equipment.

Essential Skills

• At least 8 years of experience operating excavators in underground utilities, with a strong focus on gravity sewer and mainline installation.
• Proficiency in safely excavating trenches from 5 to over 30 feet deep while maintaining required grades and slopes for gravity flow.
• Demonstrated experience handling and installing VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron pipe ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
• Hands-on experience installing manholes and related sanitary sewer structures.
• Experience in underground utility construction, including sewer systems, wastewater infrastructure, trenching, shoring, and pipe laying.
• Proven ability to operate heavy equipment and perform heavy equipment operation tasks in a construction environment.
• GPS experience for excavation, grading, and pipe installation alignment.
• Strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Completion and practical application of "competent person" training for trenching and excavation safety.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced, safety-conscious construction environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to multiple project sites in the Knoxville area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on complex gravity sewer and mainline projects in varied soil and site conditions.
• Familiarity with construction site coordination, including working alongside other trades and crews.
• Strong attention to detail when following grade stakes, slope requirements, and project specifications.
• Capability to perform basic equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks on excavators and heavy equipment.
• Comfort working with a variety of underground utility tools and equipment in the field.
• Reliability, strong work ethic, and a commitment to quality workmanship and safety.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed based on project schedules.

Why Work Here?

You will join an organization with a strong track record of promoting from within, where field employees have advanced into leadership roles and continue to grow their careers. The company celebrates team achievements with annual events that bring field and office staff together and offers generous prize giveaways as a way to recognize hard work. Performance is rewarded with opportunities for pay increases, and employees can access benefits early through the contracting period, followed by comprehensive benefits, including retirement options, once hired on permanently. This environment values recognition, stability, and long-term career development.

Work Environment

The work environment is fast paced and safety conscious, with a strong emphasis on OSHA-compliant trenching, shoring, and excavation practices. You will work primarily outdoors on underground utility and sewer projects, operating excavators and other heavy equipment with the support of GPS technology and standard construction tools. The organization has been established since 1989 and is recognized as a respected and reliable provider in its industry. Travel is a regular part of the role, with projects located across the Knoxville area and the company headquartered in Knoxville, TN. The position offers overtime opportunities, and hotel and per diem costs are covered when traveling to project sites, supporting a consistent and professional field-based work setting.

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

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.