Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled, safety-focused Wet Utility Excavator Operator to perform precise excavation and trenching for water main, sanitary sewer, and storm drain installations on heavy civil projects in the Maryland / DMV region. This hands-on equipment role is responsible for accurate grade and alignment work, protection of existing utilities, and full compliance with required Pre-Excavation and daily Excavator Inspection checklists before any work begins. The Operator works under the direction of the Foreman, coordinates closely with pipelayers and laborers, and contributes directly to safe, productive utility production while protecting people, property, and the installed work.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete the company Pre-Excavation Checklist (locates current, permits in place, trench safety plan, utility exposure plan, traffic control status) and obtain Foreman acknowledgment before digging begins each day or on each new excavation.
- Perform a documented daily Excavator Inspection Checklist (walk-around, fluid levels, tracks/undercarriage, bucket/attachments, controls, alarms, lights, and any defects) prior to starting the machine; tag out and report any unsafe condition immediately.
- Operate hydraulic excavators to dig trenches, pits, and excavations for water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems to precise grade, slope, and alignment using laser, GPS, or traditional methods.
- Excavate carefully around existing utilities; support potholing and soft-dig exposure; never dig blind in conflict zones.
- Maintain accurate trench bottoms, bedding support, and spoil placement; assist with trench box / shoring movement and safe working clearances.
- Load trucks, place select fill/bedding, and handle pipe, structures, and stone as directed by the Foreman.
- Support related grading, stormwater features, and site work as needed on the crew.
- Read and interpret construction drawings, profiles, cut sheets, and grade stakes for excavation limits and invert elevations.
- Follow all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety rules; participate in daily briefings and hazard assessments; exercise stop-work authority for unsafe conditions.
- Communicate utility conflicts, grade issues, soil conditions, or equipment problems promptly to the Foreman.
Required Qualifications
- 2+ years of hands-on excavator operation experience on civil or underground utility projects (water / sewer / storm preferred).
- Proven ability to dig to grade and alignment using laser, GPS, or traditional methods with minimal rework.
- Working knowledge of trench safety, sloping/benching, trench boxes, and competent-person principles; willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe.
- Ability and discipline to complete Pre-Excavation and daily equipment inspection checklists accurately and without exception before starting work.
- Ability to read basic construction plans, profiles, and cut sheets.
- Valid driver’s license; reliable transportation to varying job sites in the Maryland / DMV area.
- Strong safety awareness, communication skills, and reliability under production pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience on public works / municipal water, sewer, and storm projects in Maryland or the greater DMV.
- GPS machine control proficiency (Trimble, Topcon, or similar).
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30; excavation competent-person training.
- Multi-machine capability (loader, skid steer, mini-excavator).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus on many crews.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Excavator Operating for Wet Utility Work: 2 years (Required)
- Reading Construction Drawings: 1 year (Preferred)
- Excavator Daily Maintenance & Inspection: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Day Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Capitol Heights, MD 20743 (Required)
Work Location: In person
