Excavator Operator

Clark Group; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Construction Group is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support water utility construction and maintenance projects. You will operate heavy equipment to install, repair, and maintain water lines in a team environment, following safety standards and project specifications.

You will read utility plans, perform daily inspections, and collaborate with foremen and crew members to ensure efficiency and quality while adhering to OSHA safety rules on active sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators and heavy equipment for trenching, backfilling, and material handling.
• Read and interpret utility plans, grade stakes, and drawings.
• Maintain a clean, safe site in compliance with OSHA and company policies.
• Collaborate with foremen, laborers, and other operators to complete projects.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety-focused

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.

Join us in building the future! If you are ready for a challenging yet rewarding career in construction, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Join us in building the future! If you are ready for a challenging yet rewarding career in construction, we encourage you to apply.

Clark Construction Group is one of the largest building and infrastructure companies in the United States. Our portfolio spans every major building market, from public to private, corporate to cultural, education to entertainment, and the infrastructure connecting it all - power, transportation, water, and roadways. Since 1906, we’ve been delighting and delivering value to our clients and project partners, providing diverse opportunities for our team, and strengthening the communities where we live. With offices strategically located across the country, we pride ourselves on being a local builder with national reach. Learn more about Clark Construction. There is a sense of camaraderie that comes with delivering impactful projects as a team. It creates a sense of humility and fosters pride in the work we do. At Clark, we are proud to build what matters, together. Learn more about careers at Clark. Find even more opportunities with the Clark Group, our collection of companies - delivering construction and asset solutions for clients across the United States. Clark Group's capabilities span the entire asset lifecycle - from project development and financing to construction and facility maintenance.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark Construction Group, LLC (and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical and mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Clark promotes a drug-free workplace.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Clark is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please email [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Authorization to Work

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis in order to be considered.