Direct-Hire Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities

Turner Mining Group; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group in Front Royal, VA is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our underground utilities team on a permanent, direct-hire basis. You will operate CAT 320 to CAT 336 excavators to trench, place pipe, and manage material on site under guidance of the Team Lead.

This role emphasizes precision, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to run auxiliary equipment (CAT 930, CAT 963) as needed and perform routine inspections and logs.

Qualifications

• 2 years of heavy excavator operation required.
• OSHA 10 Certification required.
• Underground utility experience required; pipelaying preferred.
• Experience operating CAT 320–336 excavators preferred.

Responsibilities

• Dig trenches to grade for underground utilities (water, sewer, storm).
• Lift, move, and position heavy pipe and trench boxes with precision.
• Backfill in controlled lifts to meet specs and compaction requirements.
• Operate auxiliary machines (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 loader) when needed.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections and maintain equipment logs.
• Maintain safety around open excavations and existing utilities.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CAT 320-336

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Pre/post shift inspection

Job description

Turner Mining Group in Front Royal, VA is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our underground utilities team on a permanent, direct-hire basis. You will operate CAT 320 to CAT 336 excavators to trench, place pipe, and manage material on site under guidance of the Team Lead.

This role emphasizes precision, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to run auxiliary equipment (CAT 930, CAT 963) as needed and perform routine inspections and logs.