Lead Excavator

Four Seasons Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electric; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance (employer subsidized

Accident Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Dental Insurance (free to employees)

Vision Insurance (free to employees)

Short-Term Disability (free to employe

Long-Term Disability

Basic Life Insurance (free to emplo}

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

401(k) with matching

Credit Union

Cellular Discounts

Job summary

Four Seasons Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric is seeking a reliable Lead Excavator to support our residential plumbing projects. You will lead a crew, read site plans, and coordinate with plumbers on tight job sites in Elgin, IL, ensuring safety and quality in every trench.

The role requires 1–3 years of excavator experience, a valid driver's license, and a focus on safe digging practices near utilities. We offer year-round steady work and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of excavator experience on residential plumbing or utility jobs.
• Strong understanding of safe digging practices, trench safety, and utility avoidance.
• Able to operate mini and full-size excavators; skid steer experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to dig trenches for underground plumbing lines and sewer connections.
• Read and follow site plans, utility markings, and grade requirements.
• Work safely around existing underground utilities (gas, electric, cable, etc.).
• Backfill trenches and grade work areas as directed.
• Ensure trench depths and slopes meet plumbing code and inspector requirements.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment and report maintenance issues.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe residential job sites.
• Communicate clearly with plumbers and other trades to ensure workflow.

Skills

Excavator operation

Safety awareness

Reading grade stakes

Coordination with plumbers

Tools

Mini & full-size excavators

Skid steer experience

Job description

Four Seasons Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric is growing

and we’re looking for motivated, hardworking individuals to join our expanding Plumbing Division. We are seeking a reliable and skilled Lead Excavator to support our residential plumbing projects.

If you’ve spent years running an excavator and you know the difference between digging a hole and digging it right, we want to talk to you. You’ll handle the sewer line replacements, water service installs, and underground repairs that homeowners count on us to get right the first time. You’re the one who reads the job site, locates utilities, protects the customer’s yard and property, and keeps the crew safe in the trench. In return, you get steady year-round work with a company that has served local families for decades, well-maintained equipment, and a team that treats safety and skilled trades as a real career path rather than just a job. If you take pride in clean, precise work and want to lead a crew that does things the right way, this is the role for you.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for safe and efficient operation of excavating equipment to dig trenches for water, sewer, and drainage lines on residential properties. The ideal candidate will have experience working in tight spaces, near existing utilities, and coordinating closely with plumbing crews.

Pay Range: $30-$60 per hour, based off experience

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to dig trenches for underground plumbing lines, sewer connections, and water service.
• Read and follow site plans, utility markings, and grade requirements provided by plumbing foreman.
• Work safely around existing underground utilities (gas, electric, cable, etc.).
• Backfill trenches and grade work areas as directed.
• Ensure trench depths and slopes meet plumbing code and inspector requirements.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe residential job sites.
• Communicate clearly with plumbers and other trades to ensure smooth workflow.
• Assist with material movement, loading/unloading pipe, and jobsite prep when needed.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of excavator experience on residential plumbing or utility jobs.
• Strong understanding of safe digging practices, trench safety, and utility avoidance.
• Ability to operate mini and full-size excavators; skid steer experience a plus.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Familiarity with local codes and inspection standards for trenching and backfilling.
• Able to read grade stakes, job plans, and plumbing layout sketches.
• Strong attention to detail, safety, and communication.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work on residential properties, often in tight quarters or established neighborhoods.
• Physically demanding; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in various weather conditions.
• May involve working in coordination with homeowners, inspectors, and contractors.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (employer subsidized)
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Dental Insurance (free to employees)
• Vision Insurance (free to employees)
• Short-Term Disability (free to employees)
• Long-Term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance (free to employees)
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with matching
• Credit Union
• Cellular Discounts

Disclaimer Statement

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Activities, duties, and/or responsibilities may be added, or changed at any time with or without prior notice. By signature below, the employee affirms their understanding of the requirements, essential duties, expectations, and physical requirements of the position. Further, the employees confirm that they can perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided if able and absent undue hardship.

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

Four Seasons is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Four Seasons is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources at 773-284-6161 Ext 5010.