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Data Center Heavy Equipment Operator

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator – Underground Civil (Data Center Projects)

The Underground Heavy Equipment Operator utilizes heavy machinery to perform civil site prep, deep trenching, structural backfilling, and grading specifically for underground utility installation. This role directly supports the line and utility infrastructure teams to install underground conduits, high-voltage cabling, communication lines, pull boxes, and transformer pads.

Job Type: Full-time

Hourly Rate: $30-$32, $100 per diem on days worked

Expected Hours: 58 a week, five 10s and one 8

Key Responsibilities

  • Precision Operation: Operate excavators, track hoes, backhoes, trenchers, bulldozers, and front-end loaders safely across active, multi-phase job sites.
  • Utility Excavation: Dig micro-trenches and deep utility corridors for electrical grids and fiber networks within tight tolerances (often within a tenth of a foot).
  • Live Utility Navigation: Carefully locate, manually expose, and excavate around existing live underground and overhead utilities without causing service disruptions.
  • Civil Infrastructure Installation: Assist in placing underground conduits, cables, vaults, utility pull boxes, and structural foundations for switchgear and transformers.
  • Backfilling & Compaction: Backfill excavated zones and operate compaction equipment to meet strict structural density specifications required for data center loads.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform mandatory daily pre-shift safety inspections, check fluid levels, grease components, and document mechanical issues.
  • Site Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to 811 locate tickets, OSHA regulations, trench shoring/benching rules, and the client's high-standard safety protocols.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of heavy equipment operation specifically focused on civil site work, deep utility trenching, or commercial infrastructure. Data center site experience is highly .
  • Technical Reading: Ability to interpret civil site layouts, utility blueprints, and digital grade stakes/GPS guidance systems precisely.
  • Safety Certifications: OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification required (OSHA 30 ). Trench shoring and confined space certifications are major assets.
  • Licensing: Valid Driver’s License required; a Class A CDL is highly advantageous for equipment transport and dump truck operations.
  • Coordination: Strong hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to seamlessly follow hand signals from spotters and ground crews.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Must be able to pass a background check and professional drug screening.
  • Ability to lift up to 50–80 lbs multiple times per shift and perform manual labor when not operating machinery.
  • Comfortable working extended hours (10–12 hour shifts) outdoors in variable weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, or mud.
  • Capability to safely climb into heavy machinery and navigate uneven terrain or tight spaces on foot.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term
  • Paid Holidays (when applicable)
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Personal Advancement
  • Retirement & 401K