Equipment Operator

Benchmark Utility Services; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services, a premier design-build and utility construction firm, seeks an Equipment Operator to support excavation and sitework with medium to large excavators. You will work closely with the crew to ensure safety and productivity.

Requirements include a minimum of 3 years' experience operating excavation equipment near utilities, OSHA certification preferred, and a valid driver's license with ability to tow.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching and backfill.
• Excavate near live utilities while following safety guidelines.
• Inspect equipment daily and perform routine maintenance.
• Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards.
• Assist crew with pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup.
• Communicate with spotters and crew using signals and radios.
• Load and position materials with proper rigging.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and document fuel logs.
• Support general labor and site tasks as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Communication

Teamwork

OSHA certification

Driver's license

Troubleshooting

Physical stamina

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 efficient 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.