Mini Excavator Operator – Sewer & Meter Preparation

Jenkins Plumbing Company, LC; South Carolina; On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k) match

PTO

Paid holidays

PPE provided

Training opportunities

Job summary

Jenkins Plumbing is seeking a Mini Excavator Operator to support residential and commercial plumbing projects. You will excavate for sewer and water services, prepare meter areas, and trench and backfill while maintaining safety and adherence to OSHA standards.

Responsibilities include site preparation, utility exposure, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with plumbers and supervisors to ensure efficient project completion. CDL is preferred but not required; valid license is needed.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a mini excavator is required.
• Experience with sewer and water service excavation is preferred.
• Ability to read utility locate markings and construction plans.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation best practices.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Operate a mini excavator to excavate for sewer and water service installations and repairs.
• Prepare excavation sites for water meter installations and replacements.
• Dig trenches for sewer, water, and utility lines with correct depth.
• Backfill and compact excavated areas to company standards.
• Locate and expose utilities safely to prevent damage.
• Read and interpret utility locate markings, work orders, and site plans.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Load, unload, and transport equipment as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized job site.
• Collaborate with plumbers, supervisors, and field personnel to complete projects efficiently.
• Follow OSHA regulations and trench safety requirements.

Skills

Mini excavator operation

Sewer/water excavation

Read locate markings

Trench safety

Driver's license

Team player

Safety focus

Job description

Job Summary

The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for safely operating a mini excavator to support residential and commercial plumbing projects. This position primarily performs sewer line excavation, water meter preparation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration while ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and OSHA standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a mini excavator to excavate for sewer and water service installations and repairs.
• Prepare excavation sites for water meter installations and replacements.
• Dig trenches for sewer, water, and utility lines while maintaining proper trench depth and grade.
• Backfill and compact excavated areas to company standards.
• Locate and expose existing utilities safely to prevent damage.
• Read and interpret utility locate markings, work orders, and site plans.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance, including checking fluid levels, tracks, grease points, and attachments.
• Load, unload, and transport equipment when required.
• Maintain a clean and organized job site.
• Work closely with plumbers, supervisors, and other field personnel to complete projects efficiently.
• Follow all OSHA regulations, trench safety requirements, and company safety policies.
• Assist with manual labor as needed, including digging, grading, cleanup, and material handling.
• Report equipment issues, job site hazards, or safety concerns immediately.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating a mini excavator required.
• Experience with sewer and water service excavation preferred.
• Ability to read utility locate markings and construction plans.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation best practices.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and productivity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Frequently bend, kneel, climb, stand, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work extended hours, overtime, or weekends as needed.

Work Environment

Outdoor construction and residential job sites. Exposure to dirt, mud, uneven terrain, weather conditions, and construction equipment. Regular exposure to noise, vibration, and moving machinery.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Company-provided equipment and PPE.
• Opportunities for training and advancement.

Company

Jenkins Plumbing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, productive, and professional work environment for all employees. Jasper is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.