Equipment Operator - Underground Construction - Fargo, ND

Midcontinent; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,500 bonus

Full benefits: PTO, holidays, 401k w/m

Medical, dental & vision

Paternal leave

Free cable & internet

Job summary

Midco is seeking an Equipment Operator-UG Construction to operate underground construction equipment for installing, maintaining, relocating, or repairing telecom infrastructure. You will perform site analysis, ensure clearances, and follow safety standards with role levels based on experience and certifications.

Roles range from Equipment Operator-UG to Equipment Operator III-UG, with varying duties, and opportunities for advancement and pay increases.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or 2 years of equivalent work experience.
• Complete Construction First Time Right certification within 60 days of hire and apply principles on the job.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; DOT requirements apply.
• Must understand construction basics, NEC, OSHA, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment including mini-excavator, skid steer, and bore machine for installation or maintenance of underground utilities.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and required reports; maintain equipment.
• Conduct job site analysis and confirm trench/bore paths according to requirements.
• Ensure proper clearances and locate existing utilities on sites.
• Follow project lead directions and assist/coach team members as needed.
• Load/unload and transport excavation equipment to job sites.
• Uphold Midco safety program and wear PPE.
• Operate company vehicle in line with policies and maintain it.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Site analysis

Communication

Pre-trip & post-trip inspections

Education

High school diploma or GED

Construction First Time Right certification

DOT Medical Card / DOT requirements familiarity

Tools

Directional bore

Skid-steer

Mini-excavator

CDL with Tanker Endorsement

Job description

$1,500 bonus! Local work, home nightly! Seasonal, full-time with the potential for year-round employment. Monday - Friday, 40 hrs/week minimum. Overtime higher through peak summer months. Career advancement with pay increases. Annual merit increases. Full benefits including PTO, paid holidays, 401k w/match, medical, dental & vision, paid paternal leave, free cable & internet, and much more!

Job Summary

As an Equipment Operator-UG Construction, you will operate UG construction equipment required to perform the installation, maintenance, relocation, or repair of UG telecommunications network infrastructure. Responsibilities include operating various equipment, performing job site analysis, ensuring proper clearances, and maintaining equipment safety standards, with specific duties varying based on position level. Position leveling ranges from Equipment Operator-UG to Equipment Operator III-UG, based on experience and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate various equipment including but not limited to, mini-excavator, skid steer, and directional bore machine, for the installation or maintenance of underground utilities.
• Ability to properly clean and maintain the equipment, check fluid levels, and conduct a visual inspection of vehicle/equipment to assure your vehicle/equipment is performing at optimum safety, perform the required pre-trip, post trip inspections and the required reports.
• Perform job site analysis and site walks, confirm trench/bore paths according to requirements and regulations.
• Ensure proper clearances are in place to install products according to industry standards and company policies. Ensure location of all existing utilities are properly identified on job sites.
• Complete work functions as directed by project lead and leadership.
• Provide instructions to other personnel on site when project lead is not present, as directed by leadership.
• Provide effective training & guidance to less experienced team members as needed.
• Load, unload, and transport excavation equipment to/from job sites.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Midco’s safety program by enforcing safety rules and procedures, wearing appropriate safety apparel (e.g., hard hats, safety vests, OSHA‑approved boots), and operating all equipment safely.
• Operate and drive a company vehicle in compliance with all Midco policies and procedures, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to traffic laws. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and ensure regular maintenance and repairs are conducted as scheduled to uphold a professional image.
• Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same.
• Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a minimum of 2 years of equivalent work experience.
• Complete Construction First Time Right certification within 60 days of hire and consistently apply principles in all aspects of work.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and meet all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for the state(s) in which the team member operates. This may include the ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Card if required by law or company policy. A DUI conviction within the past 5 years will result in disqualification from employment in these positions.
• Must develop working knowledge of construction, the National Electrical Code, OSHA regulations, state and local regulations and general safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on the installation of underground telecommunications or utility infrastructure.

Note: Team Members will be assigned a level based on the required experience and training. Advancement is sequential and contingent upon successful completion of all requirements at the preceding level, certifications, demonstrated proficiencies and time-in-role or equivalent experience where applicable.

Equipment Operator

• 2 years’ experience as a Laborer working on the installation of underground telecommunications or utility infrastructure.
• Less than one year experience operating equipment used in the installation of telecommunications infrastructure.
• Directional Bore, skid‑steer, and mini‑excavator operation competency obtained.
• Equipment Maintenance and Safety Check compliance requirements met.

Equipment Operator I

• 2 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement preferred.
• Excavation and Trenching Certification required.
• Read and Interpret site plans, construction drawings and SOW.

Equipment Operator II

• 4 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.
• Demonstrate the ability to learn new equipment as project needs evolve.
• Ability to efficiently manage a jobsite.

Equipment Operator III

• 6 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.
• Possess the ability to learn new equipment quickly and safely.
• Experience as jobsite lead required.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, high, precarious places, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation and vibration.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours per week and outside normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings, and weekends as business demands.
• May be required to travel up to 50% of flexible scheduled hours per business needs.

Physical Demands

• Required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must occasionally lift and carry loads up to 80 lbs. and separately handle a 75 lbs. ladder.
• Be able to safely use a ladder rated for a maximum load of 375 lbs., including the combined weight of the individual, fall protection equipment, and any tools being carried.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time and maneuver in small tight areas.

Mental Demands

• Capable of ensuring tasks are completed accurately and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Possess problem‑solving skills to address unexpected issues and find efficient solutions during various tasks.
• Capable of understanding and following safety regulations and procedures to mitigate risks.
• Effectively communicating with team members and understanding instructions.