Traveling Excavator Operator – Fiber Optic & Utilities

Ledcor Group; Harvey (ND); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Living Out Allowance (LOA)

Health, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Job summary

Ledcor Group seeks experienced excavator operators to support telecom construction projects across South Dakota, neighboring states, and beyond. Candidates should have hands-on civil/construction experience, with fiber optic or underground utility installation as a plus.

Responsibilities include operating mini excavators and skid steers, digging around utilities, and assisting with conduit placement. Travel, LOA, and comprehensive benefits accompany a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating mini excavators and skid steers in underground utilities, roadbuilding, or a 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 proper 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 operate mini excavator and skid steers for civil construction and earthwork.
• 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.

Job description

Ledcor Group seeks experienced excavator operators to support telecom construction projects across South Dakota, neighboring states, and beyond. Candidates should have hands-on civil/construction experience, with fiber optic or underground utility installation as a plus.

Responsibilities include operating mini excavators and skid steers, digging around utilities, and assisting with conduit placement. Travel, LOA, and comprehensive benefits accompany a competitive hourly wage.