Traveling Excavator Operator — Fiber & Utilities

Ledcor; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided

Job summary

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators for telecom construction projects across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates bring hands-on experience with mini excavators and skid steers, and can work in rural and urban settings while avoiding existing utilities.

Projects rotate roughly every four weeks across multiple states. You will safely operate equipment, work around underground utilities, assist with conduit placement, and help with material handling and inspections to

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 conflicts, and assess trench routes before digging.
• Knowledge of backfilling, soil conditions, lift thickness, moisture, 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 and ability to 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 operation

Skid steer operation

Reading construction drawings

Safety awareness

Underground utilities awareness

Job description

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators for telecom construction projects across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates bring hands-on experience with mini excavators and skid steers, and can work in rural and urban settings while avoiding existing utilities.

Projects rotate roughly every four weeks across multiple states. You will safely operate equipment, work around underground utilities, assist with conduit placement, and help with material handling and inspections to