Excavation Equipment Operator

Knife River Corporation; Magna (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Retirement plan options

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Knife River Corporation is seeking an Experienced Excavation Equipment Operator to join our field team in Utah. You will operate excavators, loaders, and related heavy equipment to perform earth-moving tasks for road construction, utilities, and site development projects.

The role requires 3–5 years of hands-on equipment operation, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to read plans and grade stakes. Strong safety awareness and teamwork are essential, with opportunities for advancement based

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating excavation equipment in construction.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, and utility markings.
• Knowledge of GPS/grade control systems (Trimble, Topcon) is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required; pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy excavation equipment (excavators, loaders, dozers) safely and efficiently.
• Excavate trenches for footings and utilities (water, sewer, gas).
• Grade, slope, and backfill to meet plan elevations.
• Interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and grade stakes.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Collaborate with crew members (pipelayers, grade checkers, spotters) and communicate clearly.

Skills

Excavation equipment

Plans & grade stakes

GPS/grade control

Driver's license

Drug screen

Physical ability

Tools

Trimble GPS

Topcon GPS

Job description

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.
• 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.

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
• Equipment Operator
• Equipment Operator Basic
• Advanced Equipment Operator

Marines:

• Motor Vehicle Operator

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.