Excavator Operator

Benchmark Utility Services; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services is seeking an Equipment Operator to perform excavation and earthmoving tasks supporting utility construction. You will operate medium to large excavators, position materials, and ensure safety and precision on site.

The role requires working outdoors, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to cooperate with teammates to complete projects efficiently. OSHA guidelines are emphasized, with a preference for OSHA certification.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and OSHA standards.
• Experience operating excavators and related earthmoving equipment.
• Must be physically capable of outdoor work and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation, and backfill.
• Perform precise excavation near live utilities, maintaining safety guidelines.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-operation inspections and report issues; perform routine maintenance.
• Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times.
• Assist crew with trench preparation, pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup.
• Communicate with spotters and crew using hand signals and radios.
• Load, unload, and position materials safely using proper rigging techniques.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and comply with OSHA standards.
• Document equipment use and fuel logs as required.
• Support general labor, excavation and other site tasks.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Heavy equipment operation

Tow trailers

Tools

OSHA standards

Rigging

Equipment maintenance

Job description

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 500 projects spanning over ten (10) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

PositionSummary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing excavation and earthmoving tasks in support of utility construction and sitework projects. This role involves operating a range of heavy equipment—primarily medium to large size excavators—to dig trenches, move materials, set structures and pipes and prepare sites for utility installation. The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels)

• Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation, and backfill.
• Perform precise excavation around live utilities, maintaining strict adherence to safety and Miss Utility guidelines.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, perform routine maintenance (fueling, lubrication, fluid checks), and report any issues immediately.
• Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times.
• Assist the crew with trench preparation, pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup when not operating equipment.
• Communicate clearly with spotters and crew members using hand signals and radios to ensure safe coordination.
• Load, unload, and position materials and trench boxes safely using proper rigging techniques.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area; follow company and OSHA safety standards.
• Document equipment uses, inspections, and fuel logs accurately as required.
• Support general labor, excavation and other site tasks as assigned.

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

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth. If you possess the Qualifications and skills to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer.