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Job Title: Excavator Operator Job Description
Seeking an experienced traveling Excavator Operator with at least 5 years of hands-on experience in underground utilities, particularly gravity sewer and mainline installation. This role involves safely operating heavy equipment to excavate deep trenches, install a wide range of pipe types and sanitary sewer structures, and restore work areas while strictly following OSHA trenching and excavation safety standards. The position requires regular travel to different project sites with opportunities for overtime and covered hotel and per diem.
Responsibilities
Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to safely excavate trenches ranging from 5 to over 30 feet deep for underground utilities and sewer systems.
Follow precise grade stakes and slopes to ensure proper gravity flow for gravity sewer and mainline installations.
Handle, position, and set various pipe types, including VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron, in sizes ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
Install manholes and related sanitary sewer structures according to project specifications and industry standards.
Backfill excavated areas, compact soil, and restore surfaces after pipe and structure installation to meet quality and safety requirements.
Apply GPS technology as needed to support accurate excavation, grading, and pipe laying activities.
Maintain strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards at all times.
Demonstrate and maintain competent person training by recognizing and mitigating hazards related to trenching, shoring, and excavation.
Work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment, coordinating with site crews and supervisors to meet project schedules.
Travel regularly to different project sites in and around Knoxville, TN, and adapt to varying site conditions and requirements.
Essential Skills
At least 5 years of experience operating excavators and heavy equipment in underground utilities work.
Proven experience with gravity sewer and mainline installation, including accurate grade and slope control for gravity flow.
Strong heavy equipment operation skills, including excavators and related construction machinery.
Hands-on experience with underground utilities, sewer systems, and wastewater-related construction.
Ability to safely excavate deep trenches, typically between 5 and 30+ feet, while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
Proficiency in handling and installing VCP, RCP, PVC, and ductile iron pipe ranging from 2 inches to 144 inches in diameter.
Experience installing manholes and sanitary sewer structures in alignment with project plans.
Knowledge of trenching and shoring practices and the ability to implement them safely on active job sites.
Strict adherence to OSHA trenching, shoring, and excavation safety standards.
Competent person training for trenching and excavation safety, with the ability to identify and correct unsafe conditions.
GPS experience to support accurate excavation, grading, and pipe laying.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Broad construction and equipment operation experience in fast-paced field environments.
Ability to read and follow grade stakes, site plans, and project specifications.
Strong awareness of safety procedures and commitment to maintaining a safety-conscious worksite.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to different projects in the Knoxville, TN area.
Reliability and professionalism in representing the company on various job sites.
Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with field and office teams.
Flexibility to work overtime when required by project needs.
Why Work Here?
You will join a respected and reliable organization in its industry, with a long-standing reputation built since 1989. The company values career growth and has a track record of promoting dedicated team members into higher-level roles. Employees are recognized and rewarded for strong performance, including pay rate increases and special recognition events. The company hosts annual celebrations, such as a Christmas party for both field and office staff, featuring high-value prizes and a focus on team achievements. You receive compensation for estimated drive time from home to the job site one way, and have access to benefits while on contract, with eligibility for comprehensive benefits, 401(k), and more after the contract-to-hire period.
Work Environment
The work environment is fast paced and highly safety conscious, with a strong emphasis on compliance with OSHA standards for trenching, shoring, and excavation. You will work primarily in the field on underground utility and sewer system projects, using heavy equipment such as excavators and GPS technology to support precise excavation and pipe laying. The organization has been operating since 1989 and is recognized as one of the most respected and reliable entities in its specific industry. Team members travel to different project sites in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, with the company headquartered in Knoxville. Field work is performed outdoors in varying conditions, and collaboration between field and office staff is an important part of the culture.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.