Klingelhofer Management Group LLC
Lead Excavator Operator
Klingelhofer Management Group LLC, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Overview
Excavator Operator Job Description
Department:
Field Operations - Civil / Underground Utilities
Reports To:
Foreman / Superintendent
Location:
Columbus & New Albany, OH (data-center and site development projects)
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt / Hourly
Position Summary The Lead Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to perform deep utility trenching, grading, and underground conduit or duct-bank installation for data-center and large-scale site development projects. This position requires precision, safety awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with field crews in a fast-paced, high-standard construction environment.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Operation
Operate hydraulic excavators and related equipment for trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling.
Excavate for installation of utilities such as storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water mains, and underground duct banks.
Use GPS or laser-grade control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica) to maintain grade tolerances.
Load and unload materials safely, maintaining awareness of swing radius and load capacity.
Perform daily equipment inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
Safety & Compliance
Follow company safety policies and OSHA Subpart P (Trenching & Excavation) standards.
Participate in daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and toolbox meetings.
Maintain awareness of underground and overhead utilities.
Properly set and remove trench boxes, slide-rail systems, or shoring equipment.
Report unsafe conditions, near misses, or equipment issues immediately.
Team Collaboration
Work closely with laborers, foremen, and pipe crews to achieve accurate trench depths, slopes, and alignments.
Communicate effectively with ground personnel and follow hand signals or radio directions.
Assist in layout verification and grade checks.
Support other site operations (grading, loading, compacting) as needed.
Qualifications Required:
Minimum 5 years (or 10,000 hours) operating heavy excavation equipment.
Experience with deep utility trenching (10+ ft depth) and trench safety systems.
Working knowledge of GPS or laser-guided systems.
Current OSHA 10-hour certification (30-hour preferred).
Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, plans, and trench layouts.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Willingness to comply with drug and background screening per company and site requirements.
Preferred:
Competent Person certification for trenching and excavation.
Experience in data-center, mission-critical, or large industrial projects.
Familiarity with duct-bank installation and vault placement.
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate equipment safely for extended periods (8-10 hours per day).
Frequent climbing on/off equipment and bending to inspect trench or grade conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment
Outdoor construction sites with exposure to heat, cold, dust, and noise.
May require overtime, weekend work, or night shifts.
Projects are primarily located in Columbus and New Albany, Ohio.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly wage.
Overtime and shift differential opportunities.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Paid holidays and time off.
Training and advancement opportunities.
Create a job alert for this search #J-18808-Ljbffr
Department:
Field Operations - Civil / Underground Utilities
Reports To:
Foreman / Superintendent
Location:
Columbus & New Albany, OH (data-center and site development projects)
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt / Hourly
Position Summary The Lead Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to perform deep utility trenching, grading, and underground conduit or duct-bank installation for data-center and large-scale site development projects. This position requires precision, safety awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with field crews in a fast-paced, high-standard construction environment.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Operation
Operate hydraulic excavators and related equipment for trenching, backfilling, grading, and material handling.
Excavate for installation of utilities such as storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water mains, and underground duct banks.
Use GPS or laser-grade control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica) to maintain grade tolerances.
Load and unload materials safely, maintaining awareness of swing radius and load capacity.
Perform daily equipment inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
Safety & Compliance
Follow company safety policies and OSHA Subpart P (Trenching & Excavation) standards.
Participate in daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and toolbox meetings.
Maintain awareness of underground and overhead utilities.
Properly set and remove trench boxes, slide-rail systems, or shoring equipment.
Report unsafe conditions, near misses, or equipment issues immediately.
Team Collaboration
Work closely with laborers, foremen, and pipe crews to achieve accurate trench depths, slopes, and alignments.
Communicate effectively with ground personnel and follow hand signals or radio directions.
Assist in layout verification and grade checks.
Support other site operations (grading, loading, compacting) as needed.
Qualifications Required:
Minimum 5 years (or 10,000 hours) operating heavy excavation equipment.
Experience with deep utility trenching (10+ ft depth) and trench safety systems.
Working knowledge of GPS or laser-guided systems.
Current OSHA 10-hour certification (30-hour preferred).
Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, plans, and trench layouts.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Willingness to comply with drug and background screening per company and site requirements.
Preferred:
Competent Person certification for trenching and excavation.
Experience in data-center, mission-critical, or large industrial projects.
Familiarity with duct-bank installation and vault placement.
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate equipment safely for extended periods (8-10 hours per day).
Frequent climbing on/off equipment and bending to inspect trench or grade conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment
Outdoor construction sites with exposure to heat, cold, dust, and noise.
May require overtime, weekend work, or night shifts.
Projects are primarily located in Columbus and New Albany, Ohio.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly wage.
Overtime and shift differential opportunities.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Paid holidays and time off.
Training and advancement opportunities.
Create a job alert for this search #J-18808-Ljbffr