Service Trenching Operator/Groundman

About The Role

The Service Trenching Operator/Groundman is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment while assisting crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground electric utility infrastructure. This position supports daily construction activities by safely operating equipment, performing manual labor, handling materials, maintaining tools and equipment, and assisting with utility service installations. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, quality workmanship, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate trenchers, mini excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and other construction equipment.
• Excavate trenches for underground electric, communication, and utility service installations.
• Perform potholing and expose existing utilities using approved methods.
• Assist with backfilling, compaction, grading, and site restoration activities.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete required maintenance checks.
• Report equipment defects, maintenance needs, and safety concerns immediately.

Groundman Responsibilities

• Assist crews with the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems.
• Load, unload, transport, and stage materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assist with pulling cable, setting vaults, conduit installation, and service connections.
• Hand-dig around existing utilities and sensitive areas as required.
• Perform traffic control and jobsite setup activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Follow direction from Foremen, Equipment Operators, and Crew Leaders.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, company, and customer safety requirements.
• Participate in daily job briefings, tailboards, and safety meetings.
• Identify and avoid underground utility conflicts before excavation begins.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain awareness of excavation, trenching, grounding, and shoring requirements.
• Support emergency outage response and storm restoration efforts when required.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate trenching or excavation equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding construction work.
• Basic understanding of underground utility construction practices.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL Class A or Class B license.
• Previous electric utility, telecommunications, pipeline, or underground construction experience.
• Experience operating trenchers, backhoes, mini excavators, and skid steers.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Utility locating experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Ability to read construction prints, staking sheets, and work orders.
• Ability to identify underground utility conflicts and hazards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to work in trenches, confined spaces, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and emergency restoration assignments as needed.
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in extreme weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Outdoor utility construction sites.
• Exposure to traffic, excavation hazards, heavy equipment, and energized utility systems.
• Frequent travel to job sites may be required.
• Overtime, storm restoration, and emergency response work may be required.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $18-$29 hourly. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; company-paid holidays; and short and long-term disability.