Excavation Operator Trainee

If you have your Class A CDL and are looking for more than just a driving job, this role offers the opportunity to learn how to operate excavators, trenchers, and other heavy equipment while building a long-term career. As an Excavation Operator Trainee, you’ll earn $70,000–$85,000 per year while working alongside experienced team members.

About the role

• Learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional heavy equipment from experienced team members.
• Work alongside a Lead Plumbing Installer and crew to support plumbing installations throughout the Charlotte area.
• Perform safe excavation, trenching, boring under sidewalks and driveways, and other tasks critical to plumbing projects.
• Prioritize customer service and safety in all operations.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment to ensure reliability and safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate commercial vehicles, including dump trucks and equipment trailers.
• Assist with excavation, trenching, and boring operations to support plumbing installations.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting, digging, and working around excavation sites.
• Collaborate with crew members to complete projects efficiently and safely.
• Follow company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership while representing the company.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with an acceptable driving and criminal record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Card.
• Ability to safely operate a dump truck and pull equipment trailers.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Strong commitment to safety and adherence to established procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning heavy equipment operation.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn excavation, trenching, boring, and plumbing support operations.
• Abstinence from illegal drugs with satisfactory drug screening results.
• Reliable and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Typical workweek consists of five (5) ten-hour workdays, with rotating weekend work and occasional after-hours responsibilities.
• Ability to work safely and collaboratively with crew members while following company policies and safety standards.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience driving commercial vehicles and hauling equipment.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as mini excavators, trenchers, skid steers, loaders, or backhoes.
• Experience in construction, utility work, plumbing, landscaping, grading, or a related trade.
• Experience loading, unloading, and securing equipment for transportation.
• Experience operating trailers and backing trailers in tight spaces.
• Knowledge of excavation and trench safety practices.
• Experience with underground utility or plumbing projects.
• Ability to perform basic equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.
• OSHA or other construction safety certifications.

Skills

• Enjoys working outdoors and with hands-on tasks.
• Positive, dependable, and eager to learn.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Interest in building a long-term career in heavy equipment operation.

Pay

$70,000–$85,000 per year.

Schedule

• Five (5) ten-hour workdays per week.
• Rotating weekend work and occasional after-hours responsibilities.
• Schedule flexibility based on customer and operational needs.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to operate commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and hand tools.
• Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and work on uneven terrain.
• Must be able to enter and exit equipment safely and secure equipment for transport.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, occasionally more with assistance.
• Requires visual acuity, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination for safe equipment operation.
• Must maintain focus and situational awareness in dynamic job site conditions.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily outdoors, exposed to varying weather conditions, dirt, mud, dust, noise, and moving machinery.
• Exposure to underground utilities, traffic, and other construction-related hazards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and must be worn in accordance with company policies.