Excavator Operator

2/20/2026

The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators for heavy civil and highway construction projects, supporting tasks like excavation, trenching, grading, and utility work. This role involves operating equipment, reading plans, maintaining trench safety, performing daily inspections, and coordinating actions with the construction crew.

Salary

17 - 30 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

1,001-5,000 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

What is Flatiron? We’re more than a construction company. We are an organization of some 3,500 people with diverse backgrounds and varied expertise who share a singular focus on enhancing the well-being of people and communities. We bring together industry-leading engineers, highly skilled craft workers and other professionals to deliver innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges across the U.S. and Canada. Flatiron builds highways and bridges; aviation, rail and transit; dams and water treatment facilities; and underground projects that fuel local economies, improve safety and enhance efficiency. Flatiron engineers harness the art and science of structural design to create solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. Our craft employees and on-site leaders bring vital experience to each project to turn vision into reality. And our project leaders collaborate with project owners to deliver solutions that meet challenging criteria—safely—while at the same time mitigating risk for all those involved. Beyond safely delivering outstanding projects, Flatiron people demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning, sustainability, our clients and partners, and the communities where we live and work. We build careers. We hire and advance the best engineers, craft workers and other professionals in our industry. We transform infrastructure.

About the Role

Overview

Thank you for your interest in FlatironDragados! Please make sure you visit our US Open Office.

Employment applications will be available at the front and a drop box will be available in the lobby for you to submit your application. Our office is located at 2656 NC-5, Aberdeen, NC 28315. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman.

What you will be doing

The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports excavation, trenching, grading, utilities, drainage, and structural work while ensuring compliance with company standards.

Operate hydraulic excavators to perform trenching, excavation, backfill, grading, and material handling
Excavate for utilities, drainage structures, foundations, and roadway construction
Work safely around live traffic, underground utilities, and other equipment
Read and interpret grade stakes, cut sheets, and construction plans
Maintain trench safety standards, including proper slopes, shoring, and shielding
Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required reports
Identify and report equipment issues or maintenance needs
Coordinate with foremen, surveyors, laborers, and other operators to maintain production and accuracy
Cleans and maintains equipment, making basic repairs as necessary.
Moves levers, pushes pedals, or turn valves to control equipment. Drives and maneuver equipment.
Coordinates machine actions with crew members using hand or audio signals.
Maintains knowledge of Company’s values and strategic plan.
Performs additional assignments per management’s direction.

What we are looking for

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience with construction equipment preferred.
Experience with utility installation, drainage systems, and structural excavation preferred
Strong understanding of trenching safety and underground utility awareness

Why work for us

Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are:

Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program
Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP
Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vision and/or Provincial Medical
Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program

We are an EEO/ADA/Veterans employer.

Salary Min

USD $17.00/Hr.

Salary Max

USD $30.00/Hr.

Key Skills

Hydraulic Excavator OperationTrenchingExcavationGradingUtilitiesDrainageStructural WorkEquipment InspectionReading Grade StakesTrench SafetyMaterial HandlingPlan InterpretationEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationHand SignalsAudio Signals