Equipment Operator

Benchmark Utility Services; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services seeks an Equipment Operator to safely perform excavation and earthmoving for utility construction and sitework. You will operate heavy equipment, primarily medium to large excavators, to trench, move materials, and prepare sites for utility installation.

Work closely with the crew to ensure safety, precision, and productivity, following trench safety standards and Miss Utility guidelines.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating excavation or heavy construction equipment.
• Proven ability to perform precision excavation near utilities and structures.
• Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices.
• OSHA certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license; willingness to drive trucks; towing small trailers a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a crew environment.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment.
• Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions; lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Reliable, safety-minded and drug-free.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation and backfill.
• Perform precise excavation around live utilities with safety best practices.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Follow trench safety, shoring and barricading standards.
• Assist crew with trench prep, pipe installation, backfill and site cleanup.
• Communicate with spotters and crew using signals and radios.
• Load, unload and position materials and trench boxes safely.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow OSHA standards.
• Document equipment uses and fuel logs as required.
• Support general labor and site tasks as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Precision excavation

Trench safety

OSHA certification

Driver's license

Towing trailers

Communication

Teamwork

Maintenance & troubleshooting

Outdoor work fitness

Drug-free

Tools

Excavators

Loaders

Trench boxes

Rigging techniques

Job description

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 500 projects spanning over ten (10) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

PositionSummary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing excavation and earthmoving tasks in support of utility construction and sitework projects. This role involves operating a range of heavy equipment - primarily medium to large size excavators to dig trenches, move materials, set structures and pipes and prepare sites for utility installation. The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation, and backfill.
• Perform precise excavation around live utilities, maintaining strict adherence to safety and Miss Utility guidelines.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, perform routine maintenance (fueling, lubrication, fluid checks), and report any issues immediately.
• Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times.
• Assist the crew with trench preparation, pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup when not operating equipment.
• Communicate clearly with spotters and crew members using hand signals and radios to ensure safe coordination.
• Load, unload, and position materials and trench boxes safely using proper rigging techniques.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area; follow company and OSHA safety standards.
• Document equipment uses, inspections, and fuel logs accurately as required.
• Support general labor, excavation and other site tasks as assigned.

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavation or heavy construction equipment.
• Proven ability to perform precision excavation near utilities and structures.
• Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices.
• OSHA certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small trailers a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment.
• Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Reliable, safety-minded, and drug-free.

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer.