Excavator Operator - Natural Gas Construction

Southeast Connections, LLC provides inclusive infrastructure solutions for the natural gas industry. We construct the systems and facilities to transport the nation's cleanest burning energy resource, offering complete construction services that include pipeline construction, installation, maintenance, repairs, stations, facility modification, and new construction.

About the role

An Operator possesses the required knowledge, skill, and physical ability to perform construction and maintenance work in gas distribution, underground utilities, and gas service lines. This role involves daily interactions with the public and performing duties as directed by a foreman while operating equipment such as backhoes, excavators, vibratory or static plows, trenchers, or directional bore machines for the installation, removal, or maintenance of underground utilities and pipe installation.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction and maintenance duties related to the natural gas industry.
• Execute job deliverables according to customer specifications and contract requirements.
• Ensure all project work is compliant with installation standards and performed safely and correctly.
• Promote and monitor the safety of team members.
• Prepare sites to ensure maximum optimization of construction work procedures.
• Operate heavy equipment to complete tasks.
• Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; refer defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
• Monitor fluids, filters, and gauges on equipment; maintain proper fluid levels and clean filters.
• Perform daily greasing of equipment.
• Load and unload equipment and materials from trucks for daily projects; restock trucks with supplies to ensure crews have the proper tools.
• Distribute materials at the job site in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform essential physical functions of the job within required time frames, including carrying pipe, bags of material, jackhammering, shoveling, tamping, and installing pipe, duct, or cable.
• Participate in manual labor tasks as required on projects.
• Secure work sites, equipment, and materials at the end of each shift to ensure public safety.
• Ensure all work complies with the company’s safety protocols.
• Understand when to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow proper safety and incident reporting procedures; bring problems to the attention of the Foreman or Supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; vocational training is strongly desired.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating multiple pieces of equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Skills

• Efficient operation of heavy equipment (excavators, loaders, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of equipment operations, safety, and maintenance.
• Ability to read and understand plans, specifications, safety, and quality standards.
• Effective use of tools and equipment relevant to the work.
• Ability to detect unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment.
• Ability to direct work and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of coworkers.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes.
• Precise hand-eye coordination.
• Willingness to learn from others.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk and listen.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Able and willing to work long hours, including day, night, and weekend shifts as needed.
• Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Able to climb a minimum of 5 rungs of an extension ladder.
• Ability to travel to project sites typically within a 4-hour radius of the home office.
• Able to work in outside environments subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, and job hazards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary packages.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits program including Health, Dental, Disability, and Life Insurance (starts on the first day of employment).
• Employer Matching 401k program.
• Paid Time Off and an incredible work environment.
• Referral Bonuses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.