Traveling Excavator Operator — Fiber Optic Installations

Ledcor; Pahrump (NV); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living Out Allowance (LOA)

Travel between projects

Health, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Competitive hourly wage

Job summary

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators to support telecom construction across South Dakota and surrounding states. You will operate mini excavators and skid steers on civil projects, excavate around underground utilities, and assist with conduit placement and cable installation.

Flexibility to travel and adapt to changing project locations is essential. Applicants should have 5+ years of experience in related field, read drawings, follow safety standards, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating mini excavators and skid steers in underground utilities, roadbuilding, or related industry.
• Experience with fiber optic or underground utility installation is an asset.
• Ability to read construction drawings, interpret utility locates, identify potential conflicts, and assess trench routes before digging.
• Knowledge of backfilling, soil conditions, lift thickness, moisture levels, and compaction requirements.
• Ability to recognize unsuitable soil, unexpected utilities, and unsafe site conditions.
• Strong understanding of safe digging practices and job site safety standards.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate mini excavator and skid steers for civil construction and earthwork activities
• Safely excavate around existing underground utilities, including electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, following required locate and safe-dig procedures
• Place soil and aggregate in appropriate lifts to allow for effective compaction
• Recognize how different soil types respond to moisture and compaction
• Support crews with conduit placement and cable installation to keep production moving
• Complete daily inspections and basic maintenance checks to keep equipment running reliably
• Helping with hand digging and conduit installation
• Communicate clearly with crew members and supervisors to maintain safe, efficient production and meet daily project goals

Skills

Mini excavator

Skid steer

Read drawings

Locate interpretation

Safety procedures

Valid license

Lift 50 lbs

Job description

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators to support telecom construction across South Dakota and surrounding states. You will operate mini excavators and skid steers on civil projects, excavate around underground utilities, and assist with conduit placement and cable installation.

Flexibility to travel and adapt to changing project locations is essential. Applicants should have 5+ years of experience in related field, read drawings, follow safety standards, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.