Excavator Operator

Clark Construction Group; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Water is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support water utility construction and maintenance projects in Virginia. You will operate heavy equipment to install, repair, and maintain water lines while coordinating with crews to meet safety and quality standards.

Key requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, prior heavy equipment experience, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and a strong commitment to OSHA safety policies on a live-site work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience operating a variety of heavy equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Excellent vision or the use of prescribed lenses.
• Exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• A sound understanding of pertinent safety guidelines.
• Capacity to provide and follow direction.
• Sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure.
• Ability to work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators and related heavy equipment for trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling.
• Perform excavation work around live utilities, including water, sewer, and storm lines.
• Assist with installation and repair of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, and related structures.
• Read and interpret utility plans, drawings, and grade stakes.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and safe worksite in compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Work collaboratively with foremen, laborers, and other operators.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project needs.
• Alignment to Clark Standards of Excellence: Self-Motivated, Results Oriented, Adaptable, Team Player, Accountable, Ethical, Innovative, Resilient, Builds Relationships

Skills

Excavator operation

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Clark Water is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Excavator Operator to support water utility construction and maintenance projects. This role involves operating heavy equipment to install, repair, and maintain water lines, mains, and related infrastructure while working closely with crews to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to specification.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators and related heavy equipment for trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling


• Perform excavation work around live utilities, including water, sewer, and storm lines


• Assist with installation and repair of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, and related structures


• Read and interpret utility plans, drawings, and grade stakes


• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance


• Maintain a clean and safe worksite in compliance with OSHA and company safety standards


• Work collaboratively with foremen, laborers, and other operators


• Perform other duties as assigned to support project needs


• Alignment to Clark Standards of Excellence: Self-Motivated, Results Oriented, Adaptable, Team Player, Accountable, Ethical, Innovative, Resilient, Builds Relationships

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Prior experience operating a variety of heavy equipment.


• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.


• Excellent vision or the use of prescribed lenses.


• Exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.


• A sound understanding of pertinent safety guidelines.


• Capacity to provide and follow direction.


• Sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure.


• Ability to work extended hours, as required.

The Physical Demands of the Job

This is a physically demanding role on an active construction site. You must be able to work safely around heavy equipment and construction traffic. You must be able to frequently lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds alone, and use team-lifting techniques for anything heavier. Long periods of continual standing or walking are required, along with the ability to bend, climb, kneel, and reach. Good balance and dexterity are crucial, as you will be working safely at various heights and in tight spaces. You'll need visual acuity to operate equipment and spot hazards, and the ability to hear with or without assistance to understand instructions in noisy environments.

Your Work Environment on the Site

You’ll regularly work outdoors and may be exposed to the elements - be it heat, cold, rain, snow, or wind. The work environment frequently involves exposure to moving mechanical equipment, high noise levels, dust, fumes, airborne particles, vibrations, and potential electrical hazards. Your safety is our number one priority, which is why you will be required to consistently wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and strictly follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture

This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines.

A Drug Free Workplace

Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug "fitness for duty" screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug "fitness for duty" tests.