Excavator Operator

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)
Location:
Front Royal, VA
Position Type:
Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)
Primary Machine:
CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)
Reports To:
Team Lead
Lead the Dig – Precision Deep Utility Operations!
Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a
Mainline Excavator Operator
for a
direct placement
opportunity in
Front Royal, VA
.
In this key role, you’ll take the controls of a
CAT 340
to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities

Precision Mainline Trenching:
Operate a
CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)
to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
Shored Trenching & Structure Setting:
Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
Crew Safety Leadership:
Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
Daily Logging & Maintenance:
Complete required
daily equipment logs
, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
Team Collaboration:
Work in close partnership with your
Team Lead
and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.
Candidate Requirements
Experience:
Minimum
3 years of hands-on experience
operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
Pipelaying Expertise:
Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
Certifications & Compliance:
Active OSHA 10 certification
and a
valid Driver's License
are required.
Technical Skills:
Expert ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.