Excavator Operator

Suburban Enterprises • Appleton, WI

2d

About The Position

The Excavator Operator operates excavating equipment to dig, move, and grade soil, rock, and other materials for construction and other projects. The role monitors equipment performance, conducts inspections and routine maintenance, performs basic repairs, and follows safety protocols. It includes reading plans, coordinating with team members, assisting with project layout and material handling, and helping ensure work is accurate, on schedule, and compliant with safety standards.

The operator performs excavating work for the company, including trenching, lot pole bases, and flat work for generator pads. The position leads the excavating job site while working with a supervisor or lead foreman, and may coordinate with a helper or spotter. It also assists estimating with quotes and proposals and supports setup, relocation, and secure storage of excavators and related tools. As part of the Field Services team, the operator may cross-train and assist with tools, shipping and receiving, deliveries, and inventory as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of experience operating excavators or similar heavy machinery.
• Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and performing basic troubleshooting on excavators or similar heavy machinery.
• Technical knowledge of how to properly use equipment needed for the job.
• Expert knowledge of materials being moved, dug, loaded, or unloaded.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and designs.
• Understanding of equipment pre-operational checks and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of job-site safety requirements.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational challenges and equipment issues.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for coordinating with project leads.
• Spatial awareness and strong attention to detail.
• Competence with relevant computer applications, including MS Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational or technical training in heavy equipment operation.
• CDL or the ability to obtain a CDL if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform excavating work for the company, including trenching, lot pole bases, and flat work for generator pads.
• Operate appropriate machinery to excavate, clear, move, load, and unload materials or cargo.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections, routine maintenance, basic repairs, and report equipment malfunctions.
• Read blueprints, designs, drawings, and plans to determine job requirements.
• Keep the job site clean and organized.
• Lead the excavating job site while working with the supervisor or lead foreman and coordinating with any helper or spotter.
• Assist the estimating team with creating quotes and proposals for excavating jobs.
• Assist with setup, relocation, and secure storage of excavators and related tools.
• Follow OSHA standards, use personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Cross-train and assist with tools, shipping and receiving, deliveries, and inventory when needed.

Benefits

• Employee ownership through the company's ESOP.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Competitive pay.
• No healthcare premium increases for 4 years.
• Professional development investment and opportunities for career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED