Excavator Operator - Per Diem

Aerotek; Sidney (OH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Benefits package

Per diem

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Excavator Operator in Sidney, OH for long-term contract-to-hire roles on data center construction sites. You will operate excavators for underground utilities, manage slopes, and coordinate with site teams on schedules, safety, and quality.

The role requires flexibility for extended hours (60-hour weeks) and various shift patterns; PPE, weather gear, and steel-toe boots are required. Opportunity to travel to multiple project sites is possible.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators on construction sites with underground utilities.
• Experience with electrical duct banks or similar underground utilities.
• Ability to maintain excavation slopes, with knowledge of 1:3 and 1:4 ratios.
• Trenching safety knowledge and safe practices around trenches.
• Willingness to work 60-hour weeks and adjust to 5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, or 7x10s.
• Ability to work outdoors wearing PPE in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to excavate for underground utilities and duct banks.
• Maintain slopes and grade accuracy using 1:3 or 1:4 ratios.
• Use GPS and lasers to shoot grade or learn on the job.
• Support safe trenching operations and use trench boxes when present.
• Coordinate with site supervision to align with plans and schedules.
• Adapt to early starts and changing conditions; stay reliable.
• Wear PPE including cold weather gear and steel-toe boots.
• Work extended hours and potential schedules (5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, 7x10s).

Skills

Excavator operation

Underground utilities

Slope control

Trenching safety

60-hour weeks

Outdoor work

Tools

GPS grade control

Laser grade measurement

Trench boxes

Job description

For more Information: Please contact George Schmid; 859 310 7574

Job Title: Excavator Operator

Job Description

This role operates excavators on large-scale construction projects with a focus on underground utilities for data centers. You will perform precise excavation for electrical duct banks, maintain proper slopes, and support safe trenching operations. The position offers long-term, contract-to-hire opportunities with consistent overtime and the potential to travel to additional project sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to perform excavation for underground utilities, including electrical duct banks on data center projects.

• Control and maintain proper slopes during excavation, applying slope ratio knowledge such as 1:3 and 1:4 to ensure grade accuracy and stability.

• Use GPS and laser equipment to shoot grade for excavation activities, or learn and apply these technologies through on-the-job training if needed.

• Support safe trenching operations, applying trenching safety knowledge at all times to protect personnel and maintain site compliance.

• Work with trench boxes when present on site, using knowledge of trench boxes to support safe shoring and shielding practices.

• Coordinate with site supervision and other trades to ensure excavation aligns with project plans, schedules, and quality expectations.

• Adapt to early start times and changing schedules as lighting and site conditions evolve, maintaining reliability and punctuality.

• Wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including cold weather gear and steel-toe footwear, throughout all work activities.

• Work extended hours as needed, including regular 60-hour work weeks and potential schedules such as 5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, or 7x10s.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating excavators in construction environments, particularly for excavation related to underground utilities.

• Hands‑on excavation experience for electrical duct banks or similar underground utility installations.

• Ability to control and maintain excavation slopes, with working knowledge of slope ratios such as 1:3 and 1:4.

• Trenching safety knowledge and the ability to apply safe work practices in and around trenches.

• Willingness and ability to work primarily 60‑hour work weeks and adjust to schedules that may include 5x10s, 5x12s, 6x10s, or 7x10s.

• Capability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while wearing appropriate PPE, including cold weather gear and steel-toe footwear.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• GPS experience for grade control during excavation is a strong plus.

• Laser experience to shoot grade and verify excavation elevations is a strong plus.

• Knowledge of trench boxes and their use in supporting safe trenching operations is a significant advantage.

• Experience working on data center construction projects, particularly involving underground utilities, is beneficial.

• Openness to training on GPS systems if prior experience is limited, with a willingness to learn and apply new technology on the job.

• Interest in long‑term opportunities, including contract‑to‑hire arrangements and potential regional travel to additional project sites.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a long‑term career path on high‑profile data center projects with a clear contract‑to‑hire structure. You benefit from consistent overtime, competitive per diem for days worked, and the possibility of merit‑based raises. Strong performers have the chance to convert to permanent roles early and join growing regional travel teams, providing stability, growth, and ongoing project opportunities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sidney, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sidney,OH.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.