Excavator Operator

Turner Staffing Group; Front Royal (VA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Staffing Group is seeking a Mainline Excavator Operator (CAT 340) for a direct placement in Front Royal, VA. The role involves deep mainline trenching, setting structures, and leading safety-aware operations with the pipe crew.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of hands-on experience on underground utility projects, strong trenching to line and grade skills, and an OSHA 10 certification with a valid driver’s license. Direct placement for a permanent position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility projects.
• Proven trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
• Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver’s License are required.
• Ability to work safely around open trenches with a crew.

Responsibilities

• Operate CAT 340 mainline excavator to trench to exact line and grade tolerances.
• Set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes and structures.
• Maintain daily equipment logs and perform pre-/post-trip checks.
• Collaborate with Team Lead and grade checkers to meet daily targets.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Trenching

Pipe setting

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Tools

CAT 340

Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Front Royal, VA

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 Front Royal, VA.

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.