Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavator

Zachry Construction Corporation; Belmont (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Ins.

401(k) with 6% match

Paid Time Off

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Zachry Construction Corporation is seeking an Excavator Operator to support drainage and retaining wall activities across our projects. You will operate equipment safely, bench excavations, read stakes, and expose utilities under supervision.

The role requires 3+ years of excavation on heavy highway road projects, physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds, and reliable transportation. Candidates should be team players committed to a safe, productive job site.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of excavation experience on heavy highway projects
• Ability to bench and secure excavations safely during operation
• Reliable transportation and physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Team-oriented with commitment to maintaining a safe, clean job site
• Familiarity with reading cut stakes and grade elevations

Responsibilities

• Operate excavation equipment safely under supervisor
• Bench and secure excavations for safety and stability
• Read cut stakes and grade elevations
• Dig around and assist in exposing live utilities
• Recognize hazards and report them immediately
• Communicate with signals while operating equipment
• Work days, nights, and weekends as required
• Perform other labor-related duties as assigned

Skills

Excavation experience

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Manual labor

Job description

Build Your Future with a Company That's Built America for Over a Century

For more than 100 years, Zachry Construction Corporation has been shaping America's infrastructure from highways and bridges to major civil projects that connect communities and strengthen our nation. As a family‑owned company, we've built our reputation on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our people.

At Zachry, you're not just joining a construction company, you're joining a family that values hard work, teamwork, and doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do. We're looking for dedicated individuals who are ready to grow their careers and make a lasting impact.

Our Core Values guide everything we do: Every Person Matters, Together We Can Do Great Things, This Is More Than a Job.

Position Summary

The Excavator Operator will assist with all drainage and retaining wall activities and all excavations throughout the project.

What You'll Do

• Operate excavation equipment safely and efficiently under the direction of the supervisor
• Bench and secure all excavations during operations to ensure safety and stability
• Read and interpret cut stakes and grade elevations
• Dig around and assist in exposing live utilities
• Recognize hazardous conditions and immediately report them to the supervisor
• Communicate effectively with others using verbal and non‑verbal hand signals while operating equipment
• Work days, nights, and weekends as required
• Perform other labor‑related duties as assigned by the supervisor

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of excavation experience on heavy highway road construction projects
• Ability to bench and secure all excavations safely and effectively during operation
• Reliable transportation
• Physical ability to perform assigned labor‑related tasks (climbing ladders, climbing in and out of ditches)
• Physical ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• General labor skills and basic knowledge of operating hand and power tools (hammers, sledgehammers, pry bars, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Dependable, self‑motivated, and capable of following directions and working effectively in a team environment
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient job site

Why You'll Love Working with Us

At Zachry, we invest in our people because they're the foundation of our success. We're proud to offer career growth opportunities, long‑term stability, and a culture built on trust and respect.

Our Industry‑Leading Benefits Include

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with 6% dollar‑for‑dollar company match, Paid Time Off, and an annual Performance Bonus Program
• Company‑paid short‑and‑long‑term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Opportunities for training, professional development, and advancement

Zachry Construction Corporation performs heavy civil and building work throughout the United States. Relocation may be required for ongoing opportunities and career growth.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We do not sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. We do not interview or hire students in F-1 or J-1 status and will not sponsor them for work visas.

To learn more about our legacy and projects, visit www.zachrycorp.com.