Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

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 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 Ability to recognize unsuitable soil, unexpected utilities, and unsafe site conditions Strong understanding of safe digging practices and job site safety standards Work Conditions Competitive hourly wage Monday to Friday schedule Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided Travel required Full health, dental, vision Outdoor work in variable conditions Additional Information Ledcor Heavy Civil and Mining services reach across the lifespan of a mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service offerings are vast-as are the projects we work on. Our competitive total rewards package provides compensation and benefits that support your physical, mental and financial well-being. Employment Equity At Ledcor we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion should be part of everything we do. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply. For more information about Ledcor's Inclusion and Diversity initiatives, please visit our I&D page. Adjustments will be provided in all parts of our hiring process.