Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group is seeking a Mainline Excavator Operator for underground utilities in Hagerstown, MD. You will operate a CAT 340 in a mainline configuration, trench safely to precise line and grade, and work closely with a pipe crew in active ditch work.

Responsibilities include setting trench boxes, maintaining daily logs, and collaborating with team leads to hit production targets on deep utility projects. Requires 3+ years of hands-on experience and OSHA 10 certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
• Pipelaying expertise in trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
• Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
• Technical ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.

Responsibilities

• Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
• Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while placing pipe sections and utility structures.
• Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
• Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete daily equipment logs, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, and report maintenance needs.
• Team Collaboration: Work with Team Lead and grade checkers to meet daily production targets.

Skills

OSHA 10 certification

Driver's license

Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Hagerstown, MD

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)

Reports To: Team Lead

Lead the Dig – Precision Deep Utility Operations!

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD.

In this key role, you’ll take the controls of a CAT 340 to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
• Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
• Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
• Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete required daily equipment logs, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
• Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with your Team Lead and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
• Pipelaying Expertise: Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
• Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
• Technical Skills: Expert ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.