Job Description
Department: Field Operations Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN) Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal Pay Type / Range: Journeyman Union Scale. $46.25-47.24 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment) (This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.) Union Benefits & Additional Information: Operating Engineers Local 49 Union ( https://health49.org/ ) Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union. Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP. PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work. Referral bonuses – earn rewards to help us recruit new talent. Annual boot allowance. Job Summary : The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross‑section for construction activities. This role includes making routine operating adjustments, changing attachments such as extensions or buckets as needed, and performing related tasks to support project requirements. The operator is expected to work effectively within a team environment, maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward coworkers, supervisors, inspectors, and the public, and assist crew members as needed to ensure safe and productive operations. Additional duties may be assigned to support overall project success. Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test. References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify. Job Duties & Requirements: Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross‑section for construction activities. Handle excavation around existing utilities with care and precision. Load and unload materials as needed (e.g., bedding stone, spoil, pipe). Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks. Safely maneuver equipment in tight work zones and around other crew members. Monitor trench conditions and help maintain OSHA-compliant trench safety (e.g., benching, sloping, or shoring). Use grade stakes, laser levels, and hand signals to coordinate with laborers and crew members. Backfill and compact trenches using appropriate materials and methods. Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment. Report equipment issues, hazards, or near-miss incidents promptly. Display a professional and respectful attitude towards co-workers, supervisors, inspectors, and the general public at all times. Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors. Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors. Follow company and industry safety standards and procedures at all times. Preferred Education and Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience operating an excavator. Ability to read utility site plans, grade stakes, and follow laser/grade control. Familiarity with safe digging practices, including locating existing utilities (One Call/811 knowledge). OSHA 10 certification preferred (or ability to obtain). CDL Class A or B license is a plus. Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed. High school education or GED equivalent. Strong team player Reliable and on-time. Live up to our company Core Values: Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture. Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future. Quality leads to consistency. Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business. Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace. Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build