Excavator Lead

J. Blanton Plumbing; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

J. Blanton Plumbing is hiring an Excavation Lead to oversee residential sewer and water line projects. This hands-on leadership role requires operating heavy equipment, training crew members, and ensuring safety on site.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of excavation experience, CDL, and proven ability to lead field crews while maintaining high productivity and quality on job sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of excavation and/or heavy equipment operating experience.
• Hands-on experience with excavators/miniexcavators, skid steers, or backhoes.
• Plumbing, sewer, and water line experience strongly preferred.
• Previous field supervision or lead experience preferred.
• Valid CDL required (Class A or B preferred).
• Strong understanding of job-site safety and excavation safety.
• Strong communication skills in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead excavation work for residential plumbing, sewer, and water line projects.
• Operate excavators, mini excavators, skid steers, backhoes, and other equipment.
• Perform trenching, digging, backfilling, and site prep for underground utilities.
• Support installation, replacement, and repair of sewer and water lines and laterals.
• Load, transport, and stage equipment safely on job sites.
• Guide helpers and crew to maintain productivity and quality.
• Identify underground utilities and conditions affecting work.
• Maintain safe trenching, excavation, and equipment operation practices.
• Inspect equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Keep job sites clean, organized, and professional.
• Communicate with technicians, crew, and leadership on project progress.

Skills

Leadership

Heavy equipment operation

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

CDL Certification (Class A/B)

Tools

Excavators

Skid Steers

Backhoes

Job description

About Us

J. Blanton Plumbing is one of the fastest-growing residential home service companies in the country, and we’re on a mission to become the largest and most respected over the next 30 years.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Excavation Lead to join our Plumbing & Sewer team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with strong excavation and heavy equipment experience who is comfortable leading work in the field.

The Excavation Lead will operate equipment, oversee excavation activities, and work alongside the crew on residential sewer and water line installations and repairs. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of excavation experience, experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment, and a valid CDL.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and perform excavation work for residential plumbing, sewer, and water line projects.

• Operate excavators, mini excavators, skid steers, backhoes, and other construction equipment.

• Perform trenching, digging, backfilling, and site preparation for underground utility installations and repairs.

• Support the installation, replacement, and repair of sewer lines, water lines, laterals, and cleanouts.

• Safely load, transport, stage, and operate equipment and materials at job sites.

• Guide excavation helpers and crew members while maintaining productivity and quality standards.

• Identify underground utility and job-site conditions that may impact excavation work.

• Maintain safe trenching, excavation, and equipment operation practices.

• Inspect equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns.

• Maintain clean, organized, and professional job sites.

• Communicate effectively with technicians, crew members, and leadership throughout each project.

  • Minimum of 2 years of excavation and/or heavy equipment operating experience.
  • Hands-on experience operating excavators or mini excavators, skid steers, and/or backhoes.
  • Plumbing, sewer, and water line experience strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience leading or directing a field crew preferred.
  • Valid CDL required. Class A or Class B strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of job-site and excavation safety.
  • Strong communication skills

• Hands-on training with experienced excavation and plumbing professionals

• Competitive compensation with high earning potential.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off to recharge and rest.

• Be part of a growing, forward-thinking company that’s raising the bar in home services.