Job Posting Title Lead Excavator Operator

Thomas & Galbraith; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Telehealth (No Copay)

Company-Matched HSA & 401(k)

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness Program

EAP

Short-Term Disability (Voluntary)

Accident Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

PTO

Job summary

Thomas & Galbraith is seeking a Lead Excavator to perform residential sewer and water line repairs and replacements. This hands-on role involves operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, and restoration from start to finish.

The ideal candidate has a CDL and 2+ years of excavation experience with a plumbing or underground utility company, and can work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Competitive hourly wages with benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• CDL license required
• 2+ years of residential excavation experience with a plumbing, sewer, or underground utility company
• Experience with residential sewer line replacement and trenchless excavation
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and customer service skills

Responsibilities

• Perform residential sewer and water line repair and replacement projects
• Operate excavation equipment safely and efficiently in residential environments
• Complete trenchless sewer replacements, including pipe bursting when required
• Excavate, install piping, backfill, grade, seed, straw, and restore work areas
• Pour and finish concrete as needed
• Read and execute project scopes while adapting to field conditions and unexpected changes
• Ensure all work is completed to company quality and safety standards
• Accurately track labor, materials, and job progress
• Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and job sites in clean working condition
• Coach and mentor Sewer Install Apprentices and helpers on job responsibilities and safety
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities
• Be available for overtime, early mornings, or extended hours during high workload periods and varying weather conditions

Job description

Overview

Want to be part of one of the fastest-growing HVAC and plumbing companies in the Midwest? Thomas & Galbraith is expanding, and we’re looking for top talent like YOU to help us continue our success. People come for the job, but they stay for the career growth, stability, earning potential, and opportunity. Our clients love us, and we’re confident you will too.

The Role

The Lead Excavator is responsible for completing residential sewer and water line repair and replacement projects safely, efficiently, and profitably. This is a hands-on excavation role. Our Excavation Leads are responsible for the full scope of the job, including operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, pipe bursting, restoration, and ensuring the job is completed from start to finish. The ideal candidate has experience working for a residential plumbing or drain company performing sewer line replacements, trenchless excavation, and underground utility work.

What’s In It For Me?

• Earn $35–$45 per hourly + commission
• Medical Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance
• FREE Employee & Dependent Telehealth (No Copay)
• Company-Matched Health Savings Account (HSA) and 401(k)
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-paid Employee + Family Life Insurance
• Wellness Program and EAP (Mental Health Support)
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance,Critical Illness Insurance
• PTO

Responsibilities

What Will I Do?

• Perform residential sewer and water line repair and replacement projects
• Operate excavation equipment safely and efficiently in residential environments
• Complete trenchless sewer replacements, including pipe bursting when required
• Excavate, install piping, backfill, grade, seed, straw, and restore work areas
• Pour and finish concrete as needed
• Read and execute project scopes while adapting to field conditions and unexpected changes
• Ensure all work is completed to company quality and safety standards
• Accurately track labor, materials, and job progress
• Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and job sites in clean working condition
• Coach and mentor Sewer Install Apprentices and helpers on job responsibilities and safety
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities
• Be available for overtime, early mornings, or extended hours during high workload periods and varying weather conditions

Qualifications

Do I Have What it Takes?

• CDL License Required
• 2+ years of residential excavation experience with a plumbing, sewer, or underground utility company
• Experience with residential sewer line replacement and trenchless excavation required
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Pipe bursting experience strongly preferred
• Experience completing jobs from excavation through final restoration
• Ability to operate excavation equipment in tight residential spaces
• Plumbing license is not required, but is a plus
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and customer service skills

EQUAL EMPLYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Wrench Group and its affiliates are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. The company encourages all qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States to apply, but it does not sponsor applicants or employees who require a visa to work legally.