Mainline Excavator Operator (CAT 340) - Underground

Turner Mining Group; Virginia; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group is seeking a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement in Front Royal, VA. You will handle a CAT 340 in a mainline configuration to trench and lay underground utilities with precision, while coordinating with the pipe crew and site leadership to maintain safety and productivity.

The role requires a minimum of 3 years of hands-on excavator experience, trenching to line and grade, plus an OSHA 10 certification and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility projects.
• Experience trenching to line and grade and setting structures.
• Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches and maintain line/grade.
• Set and advance trench boxes and structures safely.
• Work with pipe crew and team lead to meet daily production targets.
• Complete daily equipment logs and pre/post-trip inspections.

Skills

Excavator operation

Safety leadership

Underground utilities

Pipelaying experience

Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)

Reports To: Team Lead

Lead the Dig – Precision Deep Utility Operations!

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA.

In this key role, you’ll take the controls of a CAT 340 to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
• Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
• Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
• Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete required daily equipment logs, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
• Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with your Team Lead and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
• Pipelaying Expertise: Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
• Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
• Technical Skills: Expert ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.