Cougar Companies is hiring an experienced Excavator Operator for an underground utilities pipe crew in Fort Myers, Florida. This full-time heavy civil construction position supports the installation of water, sewer, and storm drainage systems by excavating trenches, setting structures, placing pipe, grading, backfilling, and working safely around existing utilities. Qualified candidates must have at least 5 years of excavator operating experience , including proven experience working with a utilities pipe crew , and must live a reasonable commuting distance (within approximately 30 miles or less of Fort Myers) . Excavator Operator Responsibilities

• Operate excavators safely and efficiently as part of an underground utilities pipe crew.
• Excavate trenches for water, sewer, and storm drainage systems to required line and grade.
• Assist with setting pipe, manholes, catch basins, boxes, and other underground utility structures.
• Perform trenching, bedding preparation, backfilling, grading, sloping, and material handling.
• Read and follow grade stakes, site plans, elevations, and field direction to achieve accurate installation depths and slopes.
• Work safely around existing underground utilities, trench boxes, lifting operations, equipment, and active crews.
• Coordinate closely with foremen, pipe layers, laborers, and other equipment operators to maintain safe production.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support field operations and project needs. Required Experience and Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of excavator operator or heavy equipment operator experience in heavy civil construction.
• Proven experience operating an excavator with an underground utilities pipe crew is required.
• Experience excavating for water, sewer, and storm drainage installation.
• Ability to dig accurately to line and grade and work effectively with pipe layers and ground crews.
• Knowledge of trench safety, utility awareness, lifting procedures, and safe excavation practices.
• Experience with trenching, bedding, backfilling, grading, and reading grade stakes.
• Dependable attendance, sound judgment, and respect for the crew and equipment.
• Reliable transportation and ability to work full-time outdoors in Florida conditions.
• Must currently live within a reasonable commuting distance (30 miles or less of Fort Myers).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Why Experienced Operators Choose Cougar Companies Join an established Southwest Florida heavy civil contractor where experienced utility operators are valued for safe digging, production, equipment care, teamwork, and quality workmanship. If you understand underground utility installation, communicate well with the pipe crew, and take pride in accurate work, we want to hear from you. Ready to apply? Submit your application through Indeed or on our website at www.

CougarCompanies.com/careers. Please include an up-to-date resume highlighting your excavator and heavy civil construction experience, including trenching to line and grade, water, sewer, or storm drainage installation, setting pipe and utility structures, bedding, backfilling, and working safely with an underground utilities pipe crew. Cougar Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Cougar Companies is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Pay:

$25.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 50.0 per week Application Question(s): Do you have at least 5 years of experience operating an excavator in heavy civil construction? How many years of experience do you have operating an excavator with an underground utilities pipe crew? Please briefly describe your experience excavating for water, sewer, or storm drainage installation, including the excavator sizes or types you operated. Are you experienced digging trenches to line and grade and working with pipe layers and ground crews? Do you have experience setting or assisting with pipe, manholes, catch basins, boxes, or other underground utility structures? Are you available to work full-time outdoors in Florida conditions?

Work Location:

In person