Job Title: Mini Excavator Operator / CDL Driver
Department: OSP Services
Reports To: Construction Manager / Foreman
Location: Southeastern US, open to any state from Alabama to Texas
About us
At TXO, we are transforming technology for a more sustainable future. Our people enable organisations worldwide to optimise and transform technology across its entire lifecycle, helping customers unlock value while reducing environmental impact through circular economy solutions.
Working at TXO means contributing to real-world change. Our global teams support critical infrastructure for customers in more than 140 countries, extending the life of technology, reducing waste, and helping organisations operate more sustainably. From engineering and operations to sales, finance, supply chain and corporate functions, every role plays a part in delivering meaningful impact.
We combine global reach with local expertise, creating opportunities to work on complex challenges across technology, commercial, operational, and business disciplines. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, empowering our people to deliver practical solutions that make a measurable difference.
As we continue to grow globally, backed by TowerBrook Capital Partners’ impact strategy, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where our people can develop, thrive and help shape the future of sustainable technology.
Position Summary
The Mini Excavator Operator / CDL Driver is responsible for safely operating mini excavators and other construction equipment to support underground utility, telecommunications and fiber optic construction projects. This role includes excavation around existing utilities, potholing, trenching, site preparation, transporting equipment and materials using CDL vehicles, and assisting HDD crews with daily construction activities. The ideal candidate has experience working in utility construction environments, understands safe digging practices, and is committed to maintaining high safety and quality standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate mini excavators safely and efficiently on telecom, fiber optic, and utility construction projects.
- Perform trenching, backfilling, grading, potholing, and excavation activities in accordance with project specifications.
- Safely expose existing underground utilities using approved excavation methods.
- Support Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crews during bore operations.
- Properly couple, join, and tie-in HDPE conduit and duct systems in accordance with project specifications, manufacturer requirements, and customer standards.
- Perform conduit tie-ins at handholes, pedestals, flowerpots, vaults, and existing telecommunications infrastructure while maintaining proper alignment and bend radius requirements.
- Inspect conduit connections to ensure joints are secure, watertight where required, and suitable for cable placement operations.
- Excavate, grade, and properly set broadband infrastructure components, including hand holes, pedestals, flowerpots, pull boxes, and related utility structures according to customer specifications and construction standards.
- Verify proper depth, alignment, elevation, and compaction when installing hand holes, pedestals, and other broadband junction structures to ensure quality and long-term serviceability.
- Load, unload, transport, and secure equipment, materials, and tools using CDL-class vehicles and trailers.
- Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles and equipment.
- Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, and project plans.
- Maintain proper clearances around underground and overhead utilities.
- Assist crews with job site setup, restoration, traffic control, and cleanup activities.
- Report equipment deficiencies, maintenance needs, and safety concerns promptly.
- Complete required paperwork, inspection reports, and daily production documentation.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, company safety policies, and customer requirements.
- Travel as required to project locations.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with acceptable driving record.
- Minimum 2 years of experience operating mini excavators in underground utility, telecom, fiber, or construction environments.
- Knowledge of utility locating practices and damage prevention requirements.
- Ability to safely pull equipment trailers.
- Experience working around existing underground utilities.
- Ability to read construction plans and locate markings.
- Strong understanding of equipment safety and operating procedures.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations.
- Fiber optic or telecommunications construction experience.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Experience operating additional equipment including skid steers, vacuum excavators, and loaders.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb throughout the workday.
- Ability to enter and exit heavy equipment repeatedly.
- Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying terrain conditions.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
- Stop work and report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Maintain awareness of underground utility hazards and safe excavation practices.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
- Overtime opportunities.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Career advancement opportunities within telecommunications construction.
