Excavator Operator

The Excavator Operator safely and efficiently operates hydraulic excavators to perform excavation, trenching, loading, and material-handling tasks in support of heavy highway and civil construction crews. This role requires precision equipment control to meet grade and utility installation tolerances while working safely around crew members, structures, and underground utilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate excavators of varying sizes (mini through large frame) to excavate, trench, load, and place material to plan grades and tolerances.
• Work from grade stakes, laser grade, or GPS/machine-control guidance as directed by the Foreman.
• Excavate and backfill utility trenches, footings, and structure excavations in coordination with pipe and structure crews.
• Perform daily pre-operation equipment inspections and basic maintenance checks; report defects or needed repairs
• Coordinate with ground crew and spotters to safely load trucks and place material near workers, structures, and utilities.
• Identify and avoid underground and overhead utility conflicts in coordination with locates and utility markings.
• Maintain safe operating distances from crew members, excavations, and adjacent equipment.
• Assist with routine equipment transport, setup, and site cleanup as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating excavators on construction or utility projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately from grade stakes or machine-control guidance.
• Working knowledge of trench safety practices and excavation hazards.
• Valid driver's license.
• OSHA 10-Hour certification preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GPS/machine-control systems (Trimble, Topcon, or similar).
• Experience on heavy highway, utility, or bridge/structure excavation projects.
• Ability to operate additional equipment (backhoe, skid steer, dozer).
• Prior experience on MDOT SHA or VDOT projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating machine controls and pedals.
• Ability to climb into and out of equipment cabs multiple times per day.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasonal weather conditions.
• Adequate visual acuity and depth perception for precise machine control near workers and structures.

Working Conditions

• Active construction jobsite environment with other equipment, crew members, and vehicular traffic in close proximity.
• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and varying weather conditions.
• May require early start times, extended hours, and occasional night or weekend work to meet project schedules.
• Travel between project sites throughout the DMV region as assigned.

About Concrete General

Concrete General has served the heavy highway civil construction industry since 1972, delivering Design-Build, Bid-Build, and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects — including bridges, box culverts, retaining walls, storm drain, excavation and grading, paving, and maintenance of traffic — primarily for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Concrete General has built more than 50 years of regional experience delivering heavy highway and bridge projects throughout Maryland and the greater DC metropolitan area, and continues to grow its role in complex, large-scale infrastructure delivery, including major interchange, bridge replacement, and highway congestion-relief projects across the state.

Concrete General's field and office teams are united by a commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and accountability, and the company takes pride in offering each employee a unique opportunity for personal and professional development in a family-oriented environment. Eligible employees receive medical and ancillary insurance coverage after 60 days of employment, a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match after three months of employment.

Pay: $28.00 - $55.00 per hour

Work Location: In person