Traveling Excavator Operator for Fiber Optic Installations

Ledcor; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living Out Allowance

Health, Dental, Vision

401(k) matching

Job summary

Ledcor is hiring skilled excavator operators to support our growing telecom construction operations across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in civil construction or utility work, focusing on excavation for fiber optic conduit installation, and will work on projects in both rural and urban environments.

Projects rotate to new locations roughly every four weeks, with a competitive hourly wage and LOA provided.

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 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

Underground utilities

Fiber optic installation

Job description

Ledcor is hiring skilled excavator operators to support our growing telecom construction operations across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in civil construction or utility work, focusing on excavation for fiber optic conduit installation, and will work on projects in both rural and urban environments.

Projects rotate to new locations roughly every four weeks, with a competitive hourly wage and LOA provided.