Underground Utilities Operator

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. is seeking a skilled Underground Utilities Operator to join our construction team in Missouri.

The role focuses on operating heavy equipment for underground utility installation, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, and drainage projects, with emphasis on trenching, safety, and efficient production. The ideal candidate has experience reading grade stakes and utility plans, is safety-focused, and able to work in varying weather and site conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment in underground utility construction.
• Experience installing or working around underground utility systems.
• Ability to read grade stakes and understand utility plans.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation best practices.
• Ability to work in varying weather and site conditions.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, track hoes, backhoes, loaders, and other assigned machinery.
• Perform excavation and trenching work for underground utility installation.
• Assist with the installation of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, and drainage systems.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, utility plans, blueprints, and site layouts.
• Safely work around existing underground and overhead utilities.
• Perform precise excavation to meet grade specifications and project requirements.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Coordinate with pipe crews, foremen, and project managers to ensure efficient operations.
• Follow all OSHA, company, and project safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with general construction tasks as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading grade stakes

Understanding utility plans

Safety-conscious

Teamwork

Tools

Excavators

Track hoes

Backhoes

Job description

Emery Sapp & Sons is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Underground Utilities Operator to join our construction team. This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment used in the installation of underground utility systems, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, and drainage infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have experience trenching, excavating, laying pipe, working around existing utilities, and maintaining production while adhering to strict safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, track hoes, backhoes, loaders, and other assigned machinery.
• Perform excavation and trenching work for underground utility installation.
• Assist with the installation of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, waterline, and drainage systems.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, utility plans, blueprints, and site layouts.
• Safely work around existing underground and overhead utilities.
• Perform precise excavation to meet grade specifications and project requirements.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Coordinate with pipe crews, foremen, and project managers to ensure efficient operations.
• Follow all OSHA, company, and project safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with general construction tasks as needed.

Required

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment in underground utility construction.
• Experience installing or working around underground utility systems.
• Ability to read grade stakes and understand utility plans.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation best practices.
• Ability to work in varying weather and site conditions.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) is all about owning what we do from start to finish. We’re a 100% employee-owned multi-faceted contractor who thrives on delivering complex heavy civil projects by developing innovative infrastructure solutions. Our growing team of employee-owners are experts in grading, excavation, underground utilities, bridge construction, asphalt paving, concrete paving, and pavement preservation. Join the ESS team today!