Equipment Operator - Trenching

Network Connex; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short & long-term disability

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

Network Connex in Manassas, VA, seeks an Equipment Operator - Trenching to install underground utilities including fiber optic cable and conduit. You will operate trenching equipment while maintaining safety and quality, reading plans, and documenting daily activities.

The role requires 2+ years of trenching/excavation experience, a valid license, and readiness to work outdoors in varying conditions. Benefits include health, dental, vision, PTO, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating trenching or excavation equipment in utility or telecom environments.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred.
• Ability to read and understand utility locates and construction drawings.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and operate heavy equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Operate trenchers, excavators, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for underground utility installation.
• Perform pre-operational checks and routine maintenance on equipment.
• Read and interpret utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings.
• Safely expose existing utilities and avoid utility strikes.
• Maintain accurate daily logs of work performed and equipment usage.
• Follow all safety protocols including PPE and traffic control measures.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and inspectors.
• Assist with hand digging, potholing, and other manual labor as needed.
• Ensure trench depth, width, and alignment meet project specifications.
• Restore job site to original or improved condition upon completion.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL

Job description

Network Connex has been servingthe telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to provide our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration.

In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a robust set of benefits from health, dental, vision, short & long-term disability and more. What sets us apart is you are eligible to participate in our benefits programs the first of the month following your start date. One of the shortest benefits eligibility waiting periods in the industry!

Our Vanguard 401(k) plan comes with a 5% company match, which you are immediately vested in, and you can start participating at the same time as all the other benefits! We have 10 (ten) paid company holidays, a generous PTO (Paid Time-Off) accrual schedule, and robust health & wellness programs that can help you earn discounts on your health premiums and more! We go beyond base compensation and give you total rewards!

Position Summary:

The Equipment Operator - Trenching is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment to install underground utilities including fiber optic cable, conduit, and other telecom infrastructure. This role requires precision, safety awareness, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate trenchers, excavators, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for underground utility installation.
• Perform pre-operational checks and routine maintenance on equipment.
• Read and interpret utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings.
• Safely expose existing utilities and avoid utility strikes.
• Maintain accurate daily logs of work performed and equipment usage.
• Follow all safety protocols including use of PPE and traffic control measures.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and inspectors.
• Assist with hand digging, potholing, and other manual labor as needed.
• Ensure trench depth, width, and alignment meet project specifications.
• Restore job site to original or improved condition upon completion.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating trenching or excavation equipment in utility or telecom environments.
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).
• Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and safety standards.
• Ability to read and understand utility locates and construction drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and heavy machinery.

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status.

Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.