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.