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.