Mini Excavator Operator (Commercial Construction)

Facility Innovations Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Zohorecruit in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an experienced Mini Excavator Operator to perform excavation work on commercial construction projects, including convenience stores, fuel stations, retail centers, and parking lots. The ideal candidate has proven accuracy around utilities and a strong commitment to safety.

Responsibilities include safely operating mini excavators, trenching, backfilling, reading site plans, coordinating with foremen and crews, and maintaining daily equipment inspections.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating mini excavators on commercial construction projects
• Experience working around underground utilities and utility locates
• Ability to perform precise excavation in confined or high-traffic areas
• Knowledge of trenching, grading, back-filling, and compaction practices
• Experience coordinating with concrete, paving, and other trade crews to keep commercial sites on schedule
• Strong understanding of job site safety and hazard awareness
• Ability to read construction plans and follow field layout
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical work in outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, and noise)
• Strong communication skills with crews, foremen, and general contractors
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Safely operate mini excavators on commercial construction projects
• Excavate trenches for electrical, plumbing, drainage, and utility installations
• Perform precision excavation around existing underground utilities and structures
• Excavate, backfill, and rough grade for concrete, asphalt, and site improvements
• Load trucks and move materials efficiently while minimizing disruption to active businesses
• Work closely with foremen and crews to complete daily production goals
• Read and follow site plans, layout markings, and utility locate information
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the project
• Follow all OSHA safety requirements and company safety procedures
• Assist with general labor duties when equipment is not in operation
• Complete daily equipment inspections and production documentation as required

Skills

Mini excavator operation

Safety awareness

Team communication

Job description

Phoenix, United States | Posted on 08/04/2026

We are hiring an experienced Mini Excavator Operator to perform excavation work on commercial construction projects, including convenience stores, fuel stations, retail centers, and parking lots. The ideal candidate has experience working in active commercial environments where precision, safety, and production are critical. This position requires operating around existing utilities, maintaining clean excavations, and working closely with field crews to keep projects on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate mini excavators on commercial construction projects
• Excavate trenches for electrical, plumbing, drainage, and utility installations
• Perform precision excavation around existing underground utilities and structures
• Excavate, backfill, and rough grade for concrete, asphalt, and site improvements
• Load trucks and move materials efficiently while minimizing disruption to active businesses
• Work closely with foremen and crews to complete daily production goals
• Read and follow site plans, layout markings, and utility locate information
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the project
• Follow all OSHA safety requirements and company safety procedures
• Assist with general labor duties when equipment is not in operation
• Complete daily equipment inspections and production documentation as required

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience operating mini excavators on commercial construction projects
• Experience working around underground utilities and utility locates
• Ability to perform precise excavation in confined or high-traffic areas
• Knowledge of trenching, grading, back-filling, and compaction practices
• Experience coordinating with concrete, paving, and other trade crews to keep commercial sites on schedule
• Strong understanding of job site safety and hazard awareness
• Ability to read construction plans and follow field layout
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical work in outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, and noise)
• Strong communication skills with crews, foremen, and general contractors
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work as part of a team

Nice to have

• Trench Safety / Competent Person Training
• Silica Awareness training
• Experience operating skid steers, compact track loaders, and other compact equipment
• Experience working around active traffic and occupied commercial properties

Schedule

• Some early starts
• Occasional overtime as project schedules require
• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for advancement in a rapidly expanding solar division

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or anyother protected status.