Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group in Front Royal, VA is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our underground utilities team on a permanent, direct-hire basis. You will operate CAT 320 to CAT 336 excavators to trench, place pipe, and manage material on site under guidance of the Team Lead.

This role emphasizes precision, safety, and reliability, with opportunities to run auxiliary equipment (CAT 930, CAT 963) as needed and perform routine inspections and logs.

Qualifications

• 2 years of heavy excavator operation required.
• OSHA 10 Certification required.
• Underground utility experience required; pipelaying preferred.
• Experience operating CAT 320–336 excavators preferred.

Responsibilities

• Dig trenches to grade for underground utilities (water, sewer, storm).
• Lift, move, and position heavy pipe and trench boxes with precision.
• Backfill in controlled lifts to meet specs and compaction requirements.
• Operate auxiliary machines (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 loader) when needed.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections and maintain equipment logs.
• Maintain safety around open excavations and existing utilities.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CAT 320-336

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Pre/post shift inspection

Job description

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

Location: Front Royal, VA

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

Primary Fleet: CAT 320 – CAT 336 Excavators

Reports To: Team Lead

About the Role

Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator looking for a permanent, direct-hire opportunity with steady work and modern iron? We are hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to join our site utility team.

In this role, you’ll be a vital part of our underground utility crew, operating heavy production excavators (CAT 320 to CAT 336) to dig trenches, place pipe, and manage material on site. You will work directly under the guidance of our Team Lead to execute precise, safe, and efficient utility installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Excavation: Dig trenches to exact grade and depth for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm, etc.) in dynamic soil conditions.
• Trench & Pipe Operations: Lift, move, and position heavy pipe, trench boxes, and utility structures directly into the trench with precision and care.
• Controlled Backfill: Place and compact backfill material in controlled lifts to ensure proper structural integrity and meet compaction specifications.
• Cross-Equipment Operation: Occasionally step into auxiliary machines, such as CAT 930 rubber-tired loaders or CAT 963 track loaders, to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling.
• Daily Maintenance & Logs: Perform standard pre-shift/post-shift inspections and accurately complete daily equipment logs.
• Jobsite Safety: Maintain a strict safety-first mindset around open excavations, existing utility lines, and ground personnel.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: 2 years of heavy excavator operation required (3 to 5+ years preferred).
• Certifications: Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification required.
• Underground Utility Focus: Direct experience working around underground utilities is required; pipelaying experience is highly preferred.
• Fleet Familiarity: Demonstrated competency operating CAT 320 to 336 class excavators (or equivalent mid-to-heavy machines).
• Versatility: Willingness to operate support machinery (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 track loader) when needed.
• Reliability & Teamwork: Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and ability to collaborate effectively with field team members and the Team Lead.