Western North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator

Gladen Construction Inc; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Competitive pay

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Gladen Construction Inc in Minnesota is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator for North Dakota projects. Responsibilities include trenching, placing RCP pipe, and coordinating with crews.

The role emphasizes safety and long outdoor shifts, with per diem and potential higher rates for skilled operators. Base pay starts at a North Dakota Prevailing Wage level, with total compensation around $53.05/hr and flexible negotiation for experienced operators.

Qualifications

• Excavator experience in utility/pipe/culvert work.
• Valid Driver's License; Class A CDL preferred.
• Familiar with rigging and laser level usage.
• Willing to travel throughout North Dakota on projects.
• Able to work long outdoor shifts and maintain safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators for trenching and placing pipe, boxes, and barrels.
• Maintain safety around laborers and pipe crews.
• Perform light equipment maintenance and inspections.
• Follow excavation layouts and communicate with ground crew.
• Adhere to trench safety protocols and contribute to team.

Skills

Excavator experience

CDL preferred

Rigging

Laser levels

Safety conscious

Team oriented

Tools

Laser levels

Rigging gear

Job description

Western North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator

Gladen Construction Inc

Western North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator

LAPORTE, MN 56461

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled Excavator Operator for infrastructure projects across North Dakota.

Applicants must have experience setting RCP pipe, boxes, and barrels. While no live utility work is involved, pipe experience is essential. Safety and situational awareness around laborers and trench crews is non-negotiable.

This is not an entry-level position — we’re willing to pay above scale for proven talent.

Excavator Operator (Travel – North Dakota Projects)

Pay: Base pay starting at North Dakota Prevailing Wage

(Currently $32.40 + $20.65/hr fringe = $53.05/hr total compensation)

Willing to negotiate higher rate for experienced operators

Schedule: 10–12 hours/day, 5–6 days/week – overtime expected

Seasonal Position: Work anticipated through fall, weather permitting

Responsibilities

• - Operate excavators for trenching and placing RCP pipe, boxes, and barrels
• - Work confidently around laborers and pipe crews with safety in mind
• - Perform light equipment maintenance (fluids, greasing, inspections)
• - Follow the layout provided for excavation and placement
• - Use radios and hand signals to communicate with ground crew
• - Follow proper trench safety and crew protocols
• - Contribute to a positive team environment and assist where needed

Requirements

• - Full-time travel throughout North Dakota
• - Valid Driver's License (Class A CDL preferred)
• - Excavator experience in utility/pipe/culvert work
• - Familiarity with rigging and laser levels
• - Physically capable of working long outdoor shifts
• - Commitment to safety and collaboration
• EEO Drug Free Work environment
• Position is considered Safety Sensitive

What We Offer

• Total compensation Base pay starts at $53.05/hr
• (Currently $32.40 + $20.65/hr fringe = $53.05/hr total compensation)
• - Negotiable higher rate for highly skilled operators
• - $50/day per diem (only for days worked)
• - A solid, skilled crew and company that values operators

Gladen Construction, Inc. is a third generation family owned company in north central Minnesota, that’s involved in all types of Heavy and Highway Construction. Our main office and shop is located 14 miles south of Bemidji, MN on US highway 71.

As a company we have talents and expertise that enable us to be more diversified, such as all types of Excavating, Grading, Large Box Culverts, Piping, Utilities, Reclamation, State, County, Township, Railroad, and Mining work. Our employees have good ideas and have the work ethic of our parents and grandparents. Gladen Construction Inc.is proud of the work we do and personnel that motivate our company. With our fleet of modern equipment, a very competent group of supervisory personneland experienced operators,Gladen Construction Inc.is confident that we can do any type of earth moving projects in the Highway and Heavy Construction fields.

GLADEN CONSTRUCTION, INC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND STRONGLY ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND VETERANS TO APPLY.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.