Lead Excavation Operator – Residential Sewer & Water

Call Hoover; Troy, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is seeking an experienced Excavation Sewer & Drain Lead Operator to join our growing Sewer & Drain team. This full-time, hands-on leadership role will lead excavation crews on residential sewer and water service line installations, repairs, and replacements.

The ideal candidate will have strong heavy-equipment operating experience and a background in underground utilities, sewer and drain, plumbing, excavation, construction, or similar work.

Qualifications

• Previous heavy-equipment operating and excavation experience required.
• Experience with sewer and drain excavation, underground utilities, water service lines, or similar work preferred.
• Experience leading or overseeing an excavation/dig crew preferred.
• Knowledge of trenching, trench boxes, shoring, and excavation safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the excavation/dig crew on residential sewer and water projects.
• Perform excavation for sewer and drain installations, repairs, and replacements.
• Excavate residential water service lines and underground piping.
• Safely excavate holes and trenches up to approximately 15 feet.
• Operate excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, and other heavy equipment.
• Take responsibility for the safety of the excavation site and crew throughout the project.
• Ensure employees working inside excavations are properly protected and all required trench safety procedures are followed.
• Properly use and oversee trench boxes, shoring, and other required protective systems.
• Monitor soil conditions, excavation depth, surrounding utilities, and changing jobsite conditions.
• Ensure safe entry and exit from trenches and excavations.
• Coordinate the dig crew and assign responsibilities to keep projects moving safely and efficiently.
• Work alongside crew members as needed to complete underground sewer and water installations.
• Assist with plumbing, underground piping, and concrete work related to excavation projects.
• Safely excavate around existing utilities, foundations, structures, landscaping, and other obstacles.
• Backfill and properly close the excavation once underground work is completed.
• Complete grading, compaction, cleanup, and jobsite restoration.
• Ensure the property and jobsite are left clean, safe, and professional upon completion.
• Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance of assigned excavation equipment.
• Maintain excavators, tractors, loaders, and other equipment to ensure they remain safe and operational.
• Identify equipment maintenance or repair needs and communicate issues promptly.
• Keep equipment, vehicles, tools, and jobsites clean and organized.
• Communicate professionally with homeowners, team members, managers, and other trades.
• Ensure work is completed according to Hoover's safety, quality, and customer service standards.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Leadership

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Problem-solving

Communication

Outdoor physical endurance

Tools

Excavators

Loaders

Skid steers

Other excavation equipment

Job description

Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is seeking an experienced Excavation Sewer & Drain Lead Operator to join our growing Sewer & Drain team. This full-time, hands-on leadership role will lead excavation crews on residential sewer and water service line installations, repairs, and replacements.

The ideal candidate will have strong heavy-equipment operating experience and a background in underground utilities, sewer and drain, plumbing, excavation, construction, or similar work.