Underground Utilities- Operator / Excavator

PURIS; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Holidays

Job summary

PURIS is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator/Excavator for open cut and ditch work. The role involves safely operating excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment on active construction sites while supporting crew tasks to ensure timely installation and maintenance of underground utilities.

The ideal candidate has experience with trench box systems, understands trench safety, and can perform routine equipment inspections.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators, loaders, backhoes, and skid steers in utility or open cut environments.
• Experience working with trench box systems.
• Ability to work around underground utilities and active construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment ( excavators, loaders, backhoes, skid steers) safely as assigned.
• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling per project needs.
• Ensure trench safety practices and complete daily equipment inspections.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Excavator operation

Trench safety

Communication

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Travel flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Trench box systems

Job description

Position: Heavy Equipment Operator/Excavator - Open Cut / Ditch (Non-Exempt)

About PURIS

PURIS operates across North America as the largest independent trenchless rehabilitation provider with 1300+ employees dedicated to building lasting infrastructure with smart, sustainable resource management. The PURIS Family of Companies provide trenchless renewal solutions in the water, wastewater, and stormwater markets. Our environmentally friendly solutions work within the existing infrastructure to save time, minimize environmental impact, and cause fewer community disruptions. With an unrivaled toolbox of technologies, PURIS has the RIGHT solution for each project.

Job Summary Description

The General Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment on open cut construction projects while supporting crew activities to ensure the successful installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems. This position plays a key role in maintaining production, safety, and quality standards on the job site.

Essential Job Accountabilities

• Safely operate excavators (track hoes), loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and other construction equipment as assigned.
• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling activities in accordance with project requirements.
• Work with trench box systems and ensure proper trench safety practices are followed.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and equipment checklists.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, including daily greasing and reporting mechanical issues.
• Assist crew members with labor tasks as needed and contribute to overall project productivity.
• Support job site operations to keep work progressing efficiently.
• Perform excavation and backfill activities as directed by the Foreman.
• Ensure backfill and compaction activities meet project specifications and testing requirements.
• Monitor job site conditions and report safety concerns to supervisors immediately.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Experience operating excavators, loaders, backhoes, and skid steers in utility or open cut construction environments required.
• Experience working with trench box systems required.
• Experience in underground utility construction preferred.
• Acceptable driving record preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficient in operating track hoes, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and related heavy equipment.
• Strong understanding of excavation practices, trench safety requirements, and confined space entry procedures.
• Ability to safely work around underground utilities and active construction operations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform physical labor throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Willingness and ability to travel for extended periods as required by project needs.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing project demands.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to assist with crew operations beyond equipment operation responsibilities.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must successfully pass required pre-employment screenings, including drug testing.
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Ability and willingness to abide by PURIS's Code of Conduct on a daily basis.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, kneel, and use hands to operate equipment and tools. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. This position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around excavation sites, heavy equipment, and active construction operations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lead Operator Responsibilities (If Assigned)

• Assume leadership of the crew when the Foreman is unavailable.
• Communicate and coordinate with inspectors regarding project activities and requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the crew, Project Manager, and Operations Manager when the Foreman is unavailable.
• Complete daily reports, production documentation, and employee timesheets as required.
• Provide direction and support to crew members to maintain productivity, quality, and safety standards.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Holidays

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabled.