Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group; Front Royal, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group in Front Royal, VA seeks a Mainline Excavator Operator for underground utilities using a CAT 340 in mainline configuration. This direct placement role requires hands-on trenching and collaboration with a pipe crew to maintain safety and productivity.

You will log daily equipment activity, perform pre/post trip checks, and work closely with Team Lead and grade checkers to meet daily targets, while upholding OSHA 10 standards and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Active OSHA 10 certification.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility projects.
• Ability to trench to line and grade and set structures.

Responsibilities

• Operate CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to trench to precise line and grade.
• Set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes and supporting structures.
• Maintain crew safety while working over and with open trenches.
• Complete daily equipment logs and perform pre/post-trip checks.
• Collaborate with Team Lead and grade checkers to meet production targets.

Skills

CAT 340 operation

Underground trenching

Team leadership

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.