Excavation Operator Trainee

You've got your Class A CDL and you're looking for more than just a driving job. How would you like to get paid to learn how to operate excavators, trenchers, and other heavy equipment while building a long-term career?

About the role

As an Excavation Operator Trainee you'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional equipment from experienced team members. You'll work alongside our Lead Plumbing Installer and crew, learning how to safely excavate, dig trenches, bore under sidewalks and driveways, and support plumbing installations throughout the Charlotte area. You'll make the customer a priority and pay close attention to safety. We'll teach you the technical skills, but we need someone who already values doing things the right way.

You'll work flexible hours—plumbing emergencies don't always happen during business hours, so some evenings and weekends may be needed. You'll also help inspect, clean, and maintain equipment.

Starting pay is $28.00 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, trenchers, and other heavy equipment under supervision
• Safely excavate and dig trenches for plumbing installations
• Bore under sidewalks and driveways
• Support plumbing crews in the Charlotte area
• Prioritize customer service and safety at all times
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment
• Work collaboratively with crew members following company policies and safety standards
• Perform physically demanding work, including lifting, digging, and working around excavation sites

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
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong commitment to safety and following established procedures
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in learning heavy equipment operation
• Ability to work effectively as part of a crew
• 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
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where priorities and schedules may change

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
• Additional plumbing experience
• OSHA or other construction safety certifications

Schedule

Typical workweek consists of five (5) ten-hour workdays, with rotating weekend work and occasional after-hours responsibilities. Schedule flexibility is required based on customer and operational needs.

Physical Demands

• Regularly operate commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and hand tools
• Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and work on uneven terrain
• Enter and exit equipment safely
• Secure equipment and materials for transport
• Perform physical labor associated with excavation and utility installation work
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally more with assistance
• Visual acuity, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination required to safely operate equipment and work around underground utilities and other job site hazards

Work Environment

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