Traveling Excavator Operator

Aerotek; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation / Sick Leave

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Traveling Excavator Operator in Knoxville, TN. The role requires extensive travel to project sites and overtime opportunities, with travel expenses covered.

Contract-to-hire arrangement pays $30.00–$40.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, with full benefits after start. You will operate excavators, install gravity sewer mains, and coordinate with GIS/GPS tools on underground utilities projects, with emphasis on safety and OSHA standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in underground utilities.
• Strong gravity sewer and mainline installation experience.
• Proficiency in operating heavy equipment and excavators.
• Experience with GPS and pipe laying.

Responsibilities

• Excavate trenches ranging from 5 to 30+ feet deep while adhering to precise grade stakes and slopes.
• Handle and set various pipe types including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron ranging from 2" to 144" in diameter.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures.
• Backfill, compact, and restore surfaces following pipe installation.
• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Complete competent person training.

Skills

5+ years experience

Gravity sewer

Mainline installation

Operate heavy equipment

GPS / pipe laying

Job description

Job Title: Traveling Excavator Operator

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced traveling Excavator Operator with over 5 years of experience in underground utilities. This role involves working on various projects with opportunities for overtime, and all travel expenses such as hotel and per diem are covered.

Responsibilities

• Excavate trenches ranging from 5 to 30+ feet deep while adhering to precise grade stakes and slopes for gravity flow.
• Handle and set various pipe types including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron ranging from 2\" to 144\" in diameter.
• Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures.
• Backfill, compact, and restore surfaces following pipe installation.
• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
• Complete competent person training.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in underground utilities.
• Strong gravity sewer and mainline installation experience.
• Proficiency in operating heavy equipment and excavators.
• Experience with GPS and pipe laying.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy a rewarding career where great work is recognized with pay rate increases. Join a company that celebrates achievements with annual Christmas parties featuring exciting prizes like portable hot tubs and Yeti coolers. Opt into benefits immediately upon contract start and enjoy full benefits, including a 401K, after a 4-month contract-to-hire period. Drive time is compensated from home to the job site, reflecting the company's dedication to employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

Work Environment

Join a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment with a company that has been a respected industry leader since 1989. Be prepared to travel to different project sites around Knoxville, Tennessee, while being headquartered in Knoxville.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.