Equipment Operator - Excavator (Remote)

Job Title: Drill / Excavator Operator (EQ2)

Position Overview

The Drill / Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating drilling rigs and excavators to support foundation, ground improvement, shoring, and excavation projects. This role requires strong technical skills in operating heavy equipment, performing routine maintenance, and working closely with supervisors and crews to meet production and safety goals.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate drilling rigs for micropiles, anchors, ground improvement, and other geotechnical applications.
• Operate excavators for light excavation, hammer/tamper, and material handling.
• Operate arial lift as needed for project requirements
• Change and operate attachments (augers, buckets, breakers, grapples, etc.) as required.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance on all equipment.
• Identify and report mechanical issues promptly to supervisors.

Site Work & Production

• Read and follow site plans, drilling logs, and supervisor instructions.
• Drill, tamp/compact, and prepare foundations or support of excavation areas per design.
• Work with crews and spotters to ensure accuracy of drilling and excavation.
• Load/unload materials and assist in handling spoil, aggregates, and backfill.
• Maintain proper alignment, depth, and accuracy during drilling/tamping and excavation operations.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow OSHA, company, and site-specific safety regulations always.
• Conduct daily safety checks and complete required equipment logs.
• Maintain situational awareness to ensure crew and equipment safety.
• Participate in daily toolbox talks and report unsafe conditions immediately.

Coordination & Communication

• Communicate effectively with site supervisors, engineers, and ground personnel.
• Coordinate with the foreman and quality control for drilling and excavation parameters.
• Report daily progress, production rates, and any site issues.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a drill rig or excavator operator in construction.
• Experience in foundation drilling, micropiles, anchors, or geotechnical construction preferred.
• Ability to read site drawings, drilling layouts, and basic geotechnical instructions.
• Strong knowledge of heavy equipment operation and safety procedures.
• OSHA certification and equipment operator training cards required.
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor equipment issues.
• Ability to work outdoors in demanding site conditions.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.
• Must be willing to travel to job sites up and down the east coast.

Working Conditions

• Construction site environment; outdoor work in variable weather.
• Long hours, night shifts, and weekends may be required depending on project schedule.
• Physically demanding role involving heavy equipment operation and site support tasks.

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)

• Must be able to lift and carry materials such as steel beams, drill steel, steel rods, equipment parts, and pieces weighing up to fifty pounds frequently; prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and keyboard use/repetitive hand motions.  Occasionally, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching/working overhead, and climbing into equipment is required daily.  A full range of arm, hand, and leg motions is required to operate construction equipment. The ability to move through the job site. Work is performed outside, occasionally in environments that are dusty, noisy, cold, or hot. Near-vision acuity is required to inspect repairs and maintenance, read blueprints, manuals, and other similar documents. and adequate far-vision for spotting approaching equipment.