Lead Excavator Operator (Utilities)

Helena Sand and Gravel; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

401k with Roth option & 5% Company</

Job summary

Helena Sand and Gravel is seeking an experienced Lead Excavator Operator to join our utilities team in Montana. You will operate excavators and related equipment across diverse utility projects, coaching crew members and ensuring safe, efficient work in outdoor environments.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of heavy civil excavation experience, the ability to read blueprints, and a proven leadership track record. Valid U.S. work authorization and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, site specifications, simple instructions, short letters and memos.
• Ability to train others to their own level of proficiency.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently within designed parameters.
• Operate equipment in confined and high traffic areas.
• Locate utilities and other buried lines prior to digging.
• Shovel earth/dirt to prepare ground trenches for pipes.
• Utilize equipment to remove earth and debris for various utility projects.
• May operate heavy equipment including front end loader, excavator, backhoe or others as needed.
• Lead team at job site and support other workers.
• Travel to and from locations as required.
• Maintain and clean equipment and keep time/material records.

Skills

Lead excavator experience

Equipment operation

Safety leadership

Blueprints/ site specs reading

Communication/ mentoring

Tools

Heavy civil equipment (rollers, loaders, backhoes)

Job description

Career Opportunities: Lead Excavator Operator (Utilities) (530591)

Requisition ID530591-Posted11/09/2026-AMAT-Helena Sand and Gravel-Full Time-Equipment and Machine Operators-United States-Montana

CRH is the largest building materials company in North America. We develop sustainable solutions that build, connect, and improve our world. Our products are everywhere you live, go and work! Montana Materials & Construction, A CRH Company, is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mixed concrete in Anaconda, Butte, Great Falls and Helena, MT.

Position Overview

If you’re a skilled equipment operator looking for the next step in your career, our team can provide you with a fun and challenging opportunity to grow with an industry leader. In this role, you’ll operate an excavator and various other types of construction equipment (rollers, loaders, back hoes, track hoes, haul trucks, water trucks, etc.) as you work alongside our construction and utility crews. You’ll play an integral part as we stand together to reinvent the way our world is built.

If you’re someone that likes to see the visible results of your hard work each day, working outdoors, running equipment and being a part of building something great, this is the career path for you. The ideal candidate will have experience operating an excavator, and a desire to learn and grow. If you’ve got the drive, we’ll help you to reach your goals.

What You Can Do (Minimum Qualifications)

• You have a background in heavy civil construction, specifically grading, excavation, underground utilities, site work, and/or projects with related scopes. (3-6 years). Extensive experience as a lead excavator operator in utility installation.
• You’re passionate about providing coaching, mentoring, and feedback, as well as promoting a safe working environment for all employees.
• Ex Authorization to work, or the ability to obtain prior to start without company assistance.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Wage:

DOE w/ potential for overtime. Work could include Davis Bacon Wages and Non-Davis Bacon Wages

Company Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401k with Roth option & 5% Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• 9 Paid Holidays (8 Static and 1 Floating)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Potential for Overtime
• Opportunities for Internal Mobility
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Training Provided
• Earn More with our Employee Referral Program
• Company Discounts on products, goods, services, electronics, automotive, travel & more!
• Opportunities for Community Engagement

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently by utilizing equipment within its designed parameters.
• Operate equipment in confined and high traffic areas.
• Locate utilities and other buried lines prior to digging.
• Shovel earth/dirt to prepare ground trenches for pipes.
• Utilize equipment to remove earth and other debris in preparation for various utility projects.
• May dig up existing ground pipes and other debris with manual tools as needed.
• Safely attach various material to chains/guide wires.
• Set up and move laser level/tripod and pipe lasers.
• Knowledge of trenching and shoring standards.
• Perform job site clean-up.
• Perform minor servicing and maintenance or refer major problems to the supervisor.
• Keep machines cleaned and maintained.
• Keep time and material records.
• Travel to and from various locations.
• Lead team at job site.
• Routinelyassist other members of the work force in different areas of production.
• May operate heavy equipment to include front end loader, excavator, backhoe, or other equipment as needed.
• Take action to avoid potential hazards or obstructions.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Regular and timely attendance.
• Participate in and promote an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

• Three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, site specifications, simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to train others to their own level of proficiency.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Proficient at main line digging with excavator.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical fitness and agility test and drug screen.
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States
• Ability to travel outside Helena, MT. Travel will be required at times for this job and may require 50% or more during work season

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL a plus but not required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• GRIP – with at least 90 lbs. of force
• CLIMBING – in, around, and on equipment
• HEAVY LIFTING – of extremely awkward parts and equipment up to75 lbs. from floor to waist
• AWKWARD POSITIONS – getting to and from both sitting and kneeling on the ground
• FLEXIBILITY – awkward reaches
• BALANCE – including standing and walking on extremely slick and uneven surfaces while carrying.
• VISION – 20/40 corrected vision to see moving safety hazards, moving equipment, vehicles, and obstructions
• HEARING – corrected to hear verbal safety warnings and instructions from coworkers

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

Montana Materials & Construction, a CRH Company, is an Aff

EOE/Vet/Disability

CRH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.