Excavator Operator

Job Title: Excavator Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator (Utility / Pipe Crew)

Job Description

This direct hire role is ideal for an experienced heavy equipment operator who specializes in excavation and underground utility installation. You will operate excavators and other heavy equipment to perform trenching, grading, and backfilling, while working closely with pipe crews to install storm, sanitary, and water utilities safely and accurately. Most projects take place within Franklin County and nearby areas, offering consistent work with a reputable and growing contractor. Candidates are expected to join the union upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to perform trenching and backfilling for underground utility installations, including storm, sanitary, and water lines.
• Work closely with pipe crews to ensure utilities are installed at the correct alignment, grade, and depth.
• Perform fine grading and precise excavation around existing utilities to avoid damage and maintain safety.
• Read and interpret blueprints, grade stakes, and project specifications to complete work accurately.
• Follow all job site safety standards, procedures, and regulations at all times.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation of excavators and other heavy equipment.
• Operate additional heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, dozers, skid steers, and backhoes as needed to support project tasks.
• Assist with general site work, including earthwork and site preparation, to help meet project timelines and productivity goals.
• Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to maintain efficient workflow and clear communication on site.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience operating excavators in civil construction or underground utilities.
• Proven experience working with pipe laying or utility crews on active construction sites.
• Strong ability to work from grades, stakes, and blueprints with accuracy.
• Demonstrated skill in excavation, trenching, backfilling, and fine grading around existing utilities.
• Hands-on experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, front-end loaders, dozers, skid steers, and backhoes.
• Solid understanding of job site safety practices and regulations.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to regional job sites within approximately 100 miles.
• Willingness to join the union upon hire if not already a member.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing earthworks and general construction site work.
• Experience in heavy equipment operation within utility, pipe crew, or civil construction environments.
• Ability to conduct daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced site environment with changing priorities.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills when working with pipe crews and site supervisors.

Why Work Here?

You will join a longstanding, stable, and growing contractor that offers competitive union wages and a comprehensive benefits package. This is a direct hire opportunity that provides consistent, local work rather than short-term assignments. The company values long-term career development and offers clear paths to advancement, including future foreman opportunities for high-performing operators. You will work with a reputable local organization that prioritizes safety, reliability, and professional growth.

Work Environment

You will work primarily on outdoor construction sites located within Franklin County and surrounding areas, with occasional projects up to approximately 100 miles away. The work environment involves active utility and civil construction sites, including trenching, excavation, and earthwork activities. You will regularly operate excavators and other heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, dozers, skid steers, and backhoes. The role typically follows standard construction hours, with the need to adapt to project schedules and site conditions. Work is hands-on and physically active, often involving varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and close coordination with pipe crews and other field personnel.

This is a Permanent position based out of Sullivan, MO.

The pay range for this position is $44.00 - $76.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sullivan,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.