Underground Equipment Operator

Quanta Services, Inc.; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with strong company match

Per diem and travel pay when eligible

Unlimited career growth opportunities

Job summary

Quanta Services, Inc. is looking for a skilled Underground Equipment Operator to join Probst Electric Inc. in Caldwell, Idaho. The successful candidate will operate heavy machinery like excavators and backhoes, perform trenching and utility installations, and ensure site safety according to OSHA standards.

Applicants must have experience in underground utility construction, a valid driver's license, and be able to lift over 50 pounds. We offer competitive wages and exceptional benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and backhoes in underground utility or construction environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions.
• Strong understanding of jobsite safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, and other underground construction machinery safely and efficiently.
• Perform trenching, digging, grading, and utility installation work according to project specifications.
• Support HDD crews with drilling operations, setup, bore paths, and pullback procedures when needed.

Skills

Operating excavators

Operating backhoes

Underground construction knowledge

Safety-conscious

Strong communication skills

Education

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Excavators

Backhoes

Horizontal Directional Drills (HDD)

Job description

About Us

A fully owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), Probst Electric Inc. is one of North America's premier utility construction companies. Probst Electric has offices in Heber City, Provo, and Salt Lake City, Utah; Caldwell and Rupert, Idaho. Probst Electric has successfully completed projects all over the United States and Canada.

Probst Electric specializes in high-voltage transmission line construction, design-build, and maintenance services for public and private sector utilities. Our construction specialties include transmission, distribution, drilling, underground, and renewables.

Probst Electric offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and participate in E-Verify.

About this Role

Probst Electric is seeking a skilled Underground Equipment Operator with experience in utility and underground construction projects. The ideal candidate is proficient in operating excavators and backhoes and has working knowledge of underground utility installation practices. Experience operating Horizontal Directional Drills (HDD) and/or locating for HDD operations is strongly preferred.

What You'll Do

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, and other underground construction machinery safely and efficiently.
• Perform trenching, digging, grading, and utility installation work according to project specifications.
• Assist with installation of underground utilities including conduit and power systems.
• Read and interpret utility plans, blueprints, and locate markings.
• Support HDD crews with drilling operations, setup, bore paths, and pullback procedures when needed.
• Perform or assist with HDD locating using tracking equipment (preferred).
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Identify and avoid existing underground utilities and potential hazards.
• Work closely with foremen, laborers, and project managers to complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain a clean and safe jobsite in accordance with company and OSHA safety standards.
• Assist with hand digging, spotting equipment, and other field duties as required.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Experience operating excavators and backhoes in underground utility or construction environments.
• Knowledge of underground construction and utility installation practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions.
• Strong understanding of jobsite safety procedures.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical labor as needed.

Preferred

• Experience operating Horizontal Directional Drills (HDD).
• Experience locating for HDD operations using locating/tracking systems.
• CDL preferred but not required to start. Will be required after 90 days.
• Experience in underground power or conduit installation.

Skills & Attributes

• Safety-conscious and dependable.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented and mechanically inclined.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.

What You'll Get

At Probst Electric Inc., a proud subsidiary of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), you’ll join a team that takes pride in delivering high‑voltage transmission construction, design‑build solutions, and maintenance services for public and private utilities. With offices across Utah and Idaho and projects spanning the nation, we bring expertise in transmission, distribution, drilling, underground work, and renewable energy—along with a commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork in everything we do.

We Offer

• Earn top‑tier wages with additional per diem and travel pay when eligible.
• Enjoy exceptional benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) with a strong company match.
• Be part of an industry‑leading safety culture, strengthened by Quanta Services’ unwavering commitment to safety and its world‑class national training network.
• Access unlimited career growth opportunities and advance your future within the expansive Quanta family of companies.

Please Note: We are not engaging with external recruiters or agencies for this role. Kindly refrain from outreach regarding candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.