Traveling Equipment Operator

Engineering Associates; Brookings (SD); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Traveling Equipment Operator, where you will operate specialized machinery for installing telecommunications infrastructure. Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a commitment to safety and diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

401(k) with Company Match

Education Reimbursement

Paid lodging and per diem

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions and read work orders.
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work overtime and travel.

Responsibilities

• Operate trenching or digging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Install and maintain underground fiber optic service lines.
• Establish safety perimeters using signage and barriers.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Safety Consciousness

Education

Valid CDL

Tools

Small and Hand Tools

Job description

Discover a more connected Equipment Operator career

At TelCom Construction, as a Traveling Equipment Operator on our team, you'll use and take care of specialized machines for installing phone and internet infrastructure, ensuring everything functions correctly and remains safe during operations.

Connecting you to great benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid lodging and per diem when overnight travel is required
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Class A CDL Licensure program
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and more

What you’ll do as a Traveling Equipment Operator

• Operate trenching or digging equipment safely and efficiently on various jobsites, including Plow, Backhoe/Excavator, Rock Saw, Dozer/Lead Tractor, Tractor Trailer (for moving equipment and hauling water)
• Install and maintain underground fiber optic and other telecommunications service lines
• Restore and landscape disturbed areas of the jobsite
• Dig pits, trenches, and potholes as per job plans, including crossing utilities manually or with mechanical tools
• Set up and clean up the site
• Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment
• Establish safety perimeters using signage, cones, and barriers, which may include traffic control

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions
• Basic skills in using small and hand tools
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety rules, and operating instructions
• Valid CDL with an acceptable driving record
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• High safety consciousness
• Effective communication skills with crew, customers, and vendors
• Willingness to work overtime, including after hours, weekends, or on-call as needed
• Extended travel across the Telcom footprint is required

Preferred Qualifications

Previous construction or utility construction experience; ability to read prints and interpret utility maps for underground utilities

Physical Requirements

• Climb into and out of equipment such as trucks, backhoes, trenchers, etc.
• Lift and carry 50 lbs regularly and up to 100 lbs as needed
• Stand, crouch, sit, bend, use hands, reach high and low, and perform physical tasks during shifts
• Work while wearing safety gear including boots, glasses, and helmets
• Remote work may involve long hours of driving and sitting
• Work in adverse weather conditions including extreme temperatures, wind, rain, snow, sleet, dust, and challenging driving conditions

Vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, color, depth perception, and focus adjustment as needed. Employees may be exposed to dust, fumes, or airborne pathogens.

Pay Range: $23 - $32 / Hr

Why work with us

Your career here is more than just a job — it's a pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. We are committed to a safety-first culture and diversity and inclusion, providing an environment where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.