Backhoe Operator - Pipe Crew

Ames Construction; Liberty Township (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction is seeking a skilled backhoe operator to join our heavy civil and industrial contractor team in Liberty, North Carolina. You will operate backhoe equipment to excavate trenches for underground utilities and support safe, efficient installation on active projects.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of backhoe experience, can read grade stakes and blueprints, and collaborates well with pipe crews while maintaining trench safety and daily equipment checks.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of backhoe operation experience, preferably in underground utility work.
• Experience on pipe crews (water, sewer, storm) preferred.
• Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation practices.
• Team-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable transportation to job sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe to excavate trenches for underground utilities
• Safely perform trenching, grading, and backfilling
• Maintain trench depth, alignment, grade per plans
• Coordinate with pipe layers and crew for installation
• Identify and avoid underground utilities and hazards
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Follow safety policies, OSHA regulations, job site requirements
• Maintain clean and organized work areas
• Assist crew with general labor when equipment operation not required

Skills

Operate backhoe

Read blueprints

Trench safety

Teamwork

Transportation to job sites

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are thereasonwe continue to success.

We are a full-service,heavy civil and industrial contractorbuildingcritical infrastructure, includinghighways, bridges, mines,dams,rail, andmore.Ourteams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chainsmoving,and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means welook outfor one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision , we do what we say we will do, push throughchallengesand deliver workwe’reproud of.

When you join Ames,you’rejoining a company built for long-term success—where skilled people, strong teams,and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe equipment to excavate trenches for underground utilities (water, sewer, storm drain)
• Safely perform trenching, grading, and backfilling operations
• Maintain proper trench depth, alignment, and grade according to project plans
• Work in coordination with pipe layers and crew members to ensure efficient installation
• Identify and avoid underground utilities and hazards
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and job site requirements
• Maintain clean and organized work areas
• Assist crew with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating a backhoe (preferably in underground utility or pipe work)
• Experience working on pipe crews (water, sewer, storm) preferred
• Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints
• Strong understanding of trench safety and excavation practices
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Reliable transportation to job sites

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Ames Construction

Heavy Civil & Industrial General Contractor providing construction services since 1962. #AmesConstruction #EmployeeOwned

Ames Construction is a family-owned, full-service general contractor with over 60 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in heavy civil and industrial construction across various sectors.

2500 County Road 42 W, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337, US 3737 W 2100 S, West Valley City, UT 84120, US 7001 Tower Road, Suite D, Denver, Colorado 80249, US 8333 E Hartford Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona, US 391 N Main St, Suite 302, Corona, California 92878, US 2070 Griffin St, Carlin, Nevada 89822, US 10815 David Taylor Dr, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, US 639 Isbell Rd, Suite 220, Reno, Nevada 89509, US 1245 E Brickyard Rd, 450, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, US

Location Liberty, North Carolina, United States