Trench Experienced Excavator Operator

Portland Museum of Art; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Career advancement opportunities

Training & development

Job summary

Baker Underground, Inc. is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to safely operate a 10-ton track excavator and support installation and repair of underground utilities on commercial and municipal sites across the Triad area.

You will perform trenching, pipe laying, shoring, and site restoration, coordinate with the ground crew, and follow project plans and OSHA requirements. This is a hands-on, outdoor role requiring physical stamina and a valid driver's license; Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience with 10-ton track excavator or equivalent.
• Verifiable excavator operation experience (3+ years preferred).
• Verifiable trench excavation and backfill experience.
• Experience assembling and installing shoring systems.
• OSHA 10 or higher safety training.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varied conditions.
• English required; Spanish a plus.
• Applicants must complete skill tests/assessments.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation of a 10-ton track excavator for trenching, pipe work, bedding, backfill, grading, and site restoration.
• Expose and excavate around utilities and assist with installations, tie-ins and repairs.
• Place and position pipe, manholes, inlets, and other components using attachments and rigging procedures.
• Assemble, install, and handle shoring systems and other excavation safety controls.
• Monitor equipment: check/maintain fluids, filters, gauges; perform daily greasing and basic preventive maintenance.
• Support and coordinate with ground crew (spotting, guiding loads, materials handling).
• Participate in manual labor tasks, maintain site housekeeping and traffic control measures.
• Follow project plans, directions from crew leaders, and all safety/OSHA/regulatory requirements; complete required documentation.

Skills

10-ton excavator

Excavator operation

Trench excavation

Shoring systems

OSHA 10

High school diploma

Driver's license

English language

Skill tests

Job description

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance

Job Description

Position summary

We are hiring experienced Excavator Operators to safely operate excavators and support installation/repair of underground water lines, sanitary sewer piping, manholes, and storm drainage systems on commercial and municipal sites. This is a hands‑on role on active job sites across the Triad area; operators also participate in crew tasks and site safety.

What You’ll Do

• Safely operate a 10-ton class track excavator for trenching, pipe laying, bedding, backfill, grading, and site restoration.
• Expose and excavate around existing utilities with care, and assist with installations, tie‑ins and repairs.
• Place and position pipe, manholes, inlets, and other components using attachments and rigging procedures.
• Assemble, install, and handle shoring systems and other excavation safety controls.
• Monitor equipment: check/maintain fluids, filters, gauges; perform daily greasing and basic preventative maintenance.
• Support and coordinate with ground crew (spotting, guiding loads, materials handling).
• Participate in manual labor tasks, as required and maintain site housekeeping and traffic control measures.
• Follow project plans, directions from crew leaders, and all safety/OSHA/regulatory requirements; complete required documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with 10-ton track excavator or equivalent - REQUIRED.
• Verifiable experience operating excavators (minimum 3 years preferred).
• Verifiable trench excavation and backfill experience.
• Experience assembling and installing shoring systems.
• Verifiable safety training (OSHA 10 preferred).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs, stand/bend/kneel for long periods in outdoor conditions.
• English required; Spanish a plus.
• Applicants must complete requested skill tests/assessments to be considered.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
• Completion of assessments required for consideration.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10, Trenching & Shoring, Confined Space, CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
• Equipment/operator certifications a plus.

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Safety equipment provided
• Opportunities for training and career advancement (entry → experienced operator → lead → foreman/superintendent or specialist)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baker Underground, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

(We run small, five‑person crews — there’s no place to hide. We’re looking for people who want to work hard, learn, and grow as part of a tight‑knit team. Your performance shows quickly; within a couple weeks the crew will know if you’re a good fit. If you’re dependable, safety‑minded, and ready to build a career, we want to hear from you.)

Forklift Operators are not qualified for this position.