Excavation Equipment Operator

Knife River; Magna (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Advancement and training opportunities

Job summary

Knife River in Magna, UT is seeking an Experienced Excavation Equipment Operator to join our crew. The role focuses on operating excavators and loaders for trenching, earth-moving, and road construction projects, while maintaining safety and efficiency.

You will read site plans, grade stakes, and utility markings, perform routine equipment inspections, and collaborate with pipelayers and foremen. Valid license and drug/background checks apply; lifting 50+ lbs required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience operating excavation equipment.
• Read and interpret site plans, grade stakes and utility markings.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Understand excavation safety practices and underground utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy excavation equipment safely and efficiently.
• Excavate trenches for footings and utilities.
• Grade, slope, and backfill to plan specifications.
• Interpret drawings, blueprints, and grade stakes.
• Inspect equipment and perform basic maintenance.
• Collaborate with crew members and foremen.
• Follow safety protocols and participate in hazard assessments.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and equipment.
• Communicate clearly with team members.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Site plan reading

GPS/grade control knowledge

Driver's license

Pre-employment screening

Physical outdoor work

Tools

GPS/grade control systems

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Experienced Excavation Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record operating a variety of heavy equipment—such as excavators and loaders for excavation and earth-moving tasks in road construction, utilities, or site development environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate heavy excavation equipment (excavators, loaders, Dozers, etc.) safely and efficiently.
• Excavate trenches for footings, underground utilities such as water, sewer, storm drains, and gas lines.
• Grade, slope, and backfill as needed to meet plan specifications and elevations.
• Interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and grade stakes.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and perform basic maintenance.
• Work collaboratively with crew members, including pipelayers, grade checkers, and spotters.
• Follow all safety protocols and participate in job hazard assessments.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
• Communicate clearly with foremen, grade checkers, and other team members.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating excavation equipment in a construction setting.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety practices and underground utility awareness.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, and utility markings.
• Knowledge of GPS/grade control systems (Trimble, Topcon, etc.) is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs and work in various outdoor conditions.

Preferred Skills & Traits:

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to train others or lead when needed.
• Experience in road construction, paving prep, or site development a plus.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k)
• Retirement plan options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for advancement and training.

Additional Information:

Morgan Asphalt DBA Knife River

7620 W Highway 201

Magna, UT 84044

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status. Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.

At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Equipment Operator Grade Team.

Air Force:

• Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman
• Pavement and Construction Equipment Apprentice
• Pavement and Construction Equipment Helper

Army:

• Motor Transport Operator
• General Construction Equipment Operator
• Heavy Construction Equipment Operator
• Horizontal Construction Engineer

Navy:

• Equipment Operator
• Equipment Operator Basic
• Advanced Equipment Operator

Marines:

• Motor Vehicle Operator