Excavation Equipment Operator – Utilities & Trench Safety

Benchmark Utility Services; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services seeks an Equipment Operator to safely perform excavation and earthmoving for utility construction and sitework. You will operate heavy equipment, primarily medium to large excavators, to trench, move materials, and prepare sites for utility installation.

Work closely with the crew to ensure safety, precision, and productivity, following trench safety standards and Miss Utility guidelines.

Qualifications

• 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; willingness to drive trucks; towing small trailers a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a crew environment.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment.
• Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions; lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Reliable, safety-minded and drug-free.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation and backfill.
• Perform precise excavation around live utilities with safety best practices.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Follow trench safety, shoring and barricading standards.
• Assist crew with trench prep, pipe installation, backfill and site cleanup.
• Communicate with spotters and crew using signals and radios.
• Load, unload and position materials and trench boxes safely.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow OSHA standards.
• Document equipment uses and fuel logs as required.
• Support general labor and site tasks as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Precision excavation

Trench safety

OSHA certification

Driver's license

Towing trailers

Communication

Teamwork

Maintenance & troubleshooting

Outdoor work fitness

Drug-free

Tools

Excavators

Loaders

Trench boxes

Rigging techniques

Job description

Benchmark Utility Services seeks an Equipment Operator to safely perform excavation and earthmoving for utility construction and sitework. You will operate heavy equipment, primarily medium to large excavators, to trench, move materials, and prepare sites for utility installation.

Work closely with the crew to ensure safety, precision, and productivity, following trench safety standards and Miss Utility guidelines.