Excavator Operator

Baker Underground, Inc.; North Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid time off

Safety equipment provided

Training and career advancement

Job summary

Baker Underground, Inc. is seeking experienced Excavator Operators to safely operate excavators and support installation and repair of underground water lines, sewer piping, manholes, and storm drainage on commercial and municipal sites in the Triad area.

This hands-on role involves crew tasks and strict adherence to safety protocols. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of excavator experience, valid license, and the ability to pass pre-employment screenings.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a 10-ton class track excavator.
• 0
• Minimum 3 years of verifiable excavator operation.
• Experience with trenching and backfill.
• Experience installing shoring systems.
• OSHA 10 training preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites.
• English required; Spanish a plus.
• Pre-employment Zip Recruiter assessments required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a 10-ton track excavator for trenching and site restoration.
• Expose utilities and assist with installations and repairs.
• Position pipe, manholes, and other components using attachments.
• Assemble and handle shoring systems and safety controls.
• Monitor fluids, filters, gauges; perform daily maintenance.
• Coordinate with ground crew for loads and materials handling.
• Participate in manual labor and maintain site housekeeping and traffic control.
• Follow project plans and safety/OSHA requirements; complete docs.

Skills

10-ton excavator operation

Trench excavation/backfill

Shoring systems installation

Safety training awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

OSHA 10 Certification

Rigging awareness

Job description

Job Description

Position summary

We are hiring experienced Excavator Operators to safely operate excavators and support installation/repair of underground water lines, sanitary sewer piping, manholes, and storm drainage systems on commercial and municipal sites. This is a hands‑on role on active job sites across the Triad area; operators also participate in crew tasks and site safety.

What you’ll do

• Safely operate a 10-ton class track excavator for trenching, pipe laying, bedding, backfill, grading, and site restoration.
• Expose and excavate around existing utilities with care, and assist with installations, tie‑ins and repairs.
• Place and position pipe, manholes, inlets, and other components using attachments and rigging procedures.
• Assemble, install, and handle shoring systems and other excavation safety controls.
• Monitor equipment: check/maintain fluids, filters, gauges; perform daily greasing and basic preventative maintenance.
• Support and coordinate with ground crew (spotting, guiding loads, materials handling).
• Participate in manual labor tasks, as required and maintain site housekeeping and traffic control measures.
• Follow project plans, directions from crew leaders, and all safety/OSHA/regulatory requirements; complete required documentation.

Minimum qualifications

• Experience with 10-ton track excavator or equivalent - REQUIRED.
• Verifiable experience operating excavators (minimum 3 years preferred).
• Verifiable trench excavation and backfill experience.
• Experience assembling and installing shoring systems.
• Verifiable safety training (OSHA 10 preferred).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs, stand/bend/kneel for long periods in outdoor conditions.
• English required; Spanish a plus.
• Applicants must complete requested Zip Recruiter skill tests/assessments to be considered.

Pre-employment requirements

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
• Completion of Zip Recruiter assessments required for consideration.

Preferred certifications

• OSHA 10, Trenching & Shoring, Confined Space, CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
• Equipment/operator certifications a plus.

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Safety equipment provided
• Opportunities for training and career advancement (entry → experienced operator → lead → foreman/superintendent or specialist)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baker Underground, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

We run small, five‑person crews — there’s no place to hide. We’re looking for people who want to work hard, learn, and grow as part of a tight‑knit team. Your performance shows quickly; within a couple weeks the crew will know if you’re a good fit. If you’re dependable, safety‑minded, and ready to build a career, we want to hear from you.

Forklift Operators are not qualified for this position.

No applicant will be considered without this experience.

Company Description

We are a regional utility contractor specializing in the installation and maintenance of water, sewer, and storm drainage systems for municipal and commercial clients throughout the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. Operating multiple crews with a steady backlog of contracted projects, we provide stable work, on-the-job training, and clear advancement opportunities. We value safety, reliability, and teamwork and are looking for experienced and motivated professionals to grow