Excavator Operator Underground Utility

Pipedrhelp; Toledo, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Pipe Doctor is seeking operators skilled in underground utility excavation, focusing on precision and safety near gas lines, water mains, and electrical conduits. You will read soil, protect utilities, and work within inches of existing infrastructure while maintaining grade and elevation accuracy.

The role emphasizes trench safety, proper shoring, and the use of trench boxes and compactors, with a culture of safety over speed and precision over schedule.

Responsibilities

• Read soil, protect utilities, and work within inches of existing infrastructure.
• Read a laser level, set grade stakes, and cut to elevation.
• Proper trench box placement, hydraulic shoring setup, and soil classification.
• Understand trench safety requirements (OSHA 1926 Subpart P) and apply protective measures.
• Operate or coordinate with trench-related equipment and ensure safety discipline in trench work.

Job description

Underground utility excavation is precision work. Every swing of the bucket is within feet — sometimes inches — of gas lines, water mains, and electrical conduit. Pipe Doctor operators know the difference between digging and precision excavation.

Smooth, controlled digging — not just moving dirt. You know how to read soil, protect utilities, and work within inches of existing infrastructure.

Utility Locating

Trench Safety

OSHA 1926 Subpart P — sloping, shoring, and trench box requirements. You know when a trench needs protection and you don't enter one that doesn't have it.

Shoring & Shielding

Proper trench box placement, hydraulic shoring setup, and soil classification. You protect the crew in the trench.

You can read a laser level, set grade stakes, and cut to elevation. Pipe doesn't drain properly if the grade isn't right.

Backfill & Compaction

Proper lift thickness, compaction equipment selection, and testing. A failed compaction test means a failed job.

The Iron Is Already Here

Mini-excavators, full-size machines, trench boxes, and compaction equipment — all owned and maintained by Pipe Doctor.

Full-Size Excavators

Trench Boxes & Hydraulic Shoring

Plate Compactors & Jumping Jacks

Utility Locating Equipment

The Culture

Precision Over Speed. Safety Over Schedule.

Underground Is Unforgiving

A gas line nicked by a bucket. A water main shattered by a careless swing. Underground utility work demands patience, precision, and the discipline to slow down when it matters most. Pipe Doctor operators have that discipline.

The Trench Is Your Responsibility

Grade Is the Foundation of Everything

Sewer lines that don't drain. Water mains that don't flow. Foundation drains that back up. All of it traces back to grade. Pipe Doctor operators cut to grade correctly — the first time.

Production matters, but not at the cost of accuracy or safety. A trench dug right in four hours is worth more than one dug fast in two that has to be redone. We build that culture into every operator.

If You Dig With Precision, We Want You.

Underground utility operators who understand trench safety and grade work are rare. Pipe Doctor compensates that rarity accordingly.