Traveling Excavator Operator for Fiber & Utilities

Ledcor; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living Out Allowance (LOA)

401(k) matching

Health, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators to support telecom construction projects across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in civil construction, utility work, or roadbuilding, focusing on excavation for fiber optic conduit installation.

Projects rotate roughly every four weeks, and successful applicants will operate mini excavators and skid steers, dig around utilities, and assist with conduit placement while adhering to safety standards

Qualifications

• 5+ years 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, assess trench routes before digging.
• Knowledge of backfilling, soil conditions, lift thickness, moisture and compaction requirements.
• Ability to recognize unsafe soil, utilities, or conditions.
• Strong safe digging practices and job site safety standards.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able 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, following locate and safe-dig procedures.
• Place soil and aggregate in lifts to allow for compaction.
• Recognize soil types and moisture effects on compaction.
• Assist crews with conduit placement and cable installation to keep production moving.
• Complete daily inspections and basic maintenance checks.
• Assist with hand digging and conduit installation.
• Communicate with crew and supervisors to maintain safe, efficient production and meet daily goals.

Skills

5+ years experience operating mini-exc

Operate skid steers

Read construction drawings & utility l

Physically lift up to 50 lbs

Tools

Fiber optic/underground utilities installation equipment

Job description

Ledcor is seeking skilled excavator operators to support telecom construction projects across South Dakota and surrounding states. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in civil construction, utility work, or roadbuilding, focusing on excavation for fiber optic conduit installation.

Projects rotate roughly every four weeks, and successful applicants will operate mini excavators and skid steers, dig around utilities, and assist with conduit placement while adhering to safety standards