Heavy Equipment Operator Underground Utilities

Heavy Equipment Operator – Drive Large-Scale Underground Utility and Infrastructure Projects

Job Overview

• Company: Benchmark Utility Services
• Salary/Pay Rate: $30–$40 per hour DOE + overtime, with premium consideration for advanced underground utility excavator experience
• Location: Richmond - Northern Virginia Corridor
• Job/Employment Type: Full Time
• Schedule: Monday – Saturday - Opportunities for Lots of Overtime
• Project Scope: Industrial / Mission-Critical (Data Centers) Utility Infrastructure
• Mandatory Licenses & Certifications: None

The Opportunity You will be a key player in our high-growth civil division, operating heavy machinery to build essential underground utility systems. This role puts you behind the controls of construction-class equipment where your skills, precision and situational awareness directly impact the success of mission-critical facility builds. You will join a team that values your field-tested expertise and provides unmatched opportunities for your financial success.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Maneuver heavy equipment with precision to achieve specified grades, depths, and alignments for underground utility installations.
• Execute safe loading and offloading of materials, including rock, soil, debris, and high-capacity conduit, using expert rigging practices.
• Perform comprehensive daily pre-shift and post-shift inspections to ensure equipment remains in peak operational and mechanical condition.
• Navigate complex site logistics by responding accurately to visual cues, hand signals, and radio communications from the ground crew.
• Apply Miss Utility guidelines and excavation best practices to maintain safe exclusion zones around existing underground and overhead lines.
• Coordinate with Field Mechanics and Fleet teams to report mechanical issues promptly and maintain the integrity of our equipment fleet.
• Collaborate with Foremen and Field Engineers to sequence tasks that maximize crew productivity and meet strict project deadlines.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience in heavy civil construction or underground utility installation.
• Proven proficiency in operating large-scale excavators (JD 350 / Cat 336 or equivalent) and support equipment.
• Demonstrated experience working safely in deep trench environments reaching depths of 20 feet.
• Mastery of trench safety protocols, including the assembly and installation of trench shielding and shoring.
• Expert-level skill in setting heavy structures such as manholes and storm vaults weighing up to 30,000 lbs.
• Reliable personal transportation to travel to varying project sites across the DC Metro and Northern Virginia region.
• Ability to climb into equipment using the three-point contact method and lift/carry up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience with mission-critical (Data Center) facility infrastructure and industrial site standards.
• Personal background or deep-rooted connections within the skilled trades community.
• History of operating specialized equipment, including dozers, loaders, off-road trucks, and ride-on vibratory rollers.
• Ability to communicate efficiently in Spanish.
• Most assignments are regional; however, candidates who are open to national travel will have access to higher-paying projects and additional earning opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Weekly pay cycle.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Program with employer matching.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance options.
• 3 weeks of Paid time off (Vacation).
• Access to paid training programs and certifications.
• Monthly perks include gift cards and company events.

About Us Benchmark Utility Services is a premier design-build and underground utility firm specializing in mission-critical infrastructure. We prioritize the development of our workforce, offering a dynamic environment where skilled operators can thrive and advance.

Learn more at www.benchmarkutilityservices.com.

Benchmark Utility Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.