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Traveling Mainline Excavator Operator - Water & Sewer Gerke Excavating Inc Madison, WI Job Details Full-time 5 hours ago Benefits Travel reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Opportunities for advancement Life insurance Qualifications CPR Certification Outdoor work experience Utility system installation projects Health regulations in construction safety Excavation Trenching excavation method First aid Equipment troubleshooting Driver's License Working on construction projects in a civil infrastructure role Pipeline excavation OSHA 30-Hour Construction Mechanical excavators Water systems Underground utility pipelaying projects Pipelaying safety compliance practices Water management system pipelaying projects Trenching and excavation safety procedures Backhoe operation Sewer line installation Mechanical troubleshooting Construction trenching Full Job Description Traveling Mainline Excavator Operator -

Water & Sewer Location:

West and South Texas Company:

Gerke Excavating Inc.

Work Location:

In person at project sites Position Overview Gerke Excavating Inc. is seeking an experienced Traveling Mainline Excavator Operator to support water and sewer utility projects in Western and Southern Texas. This role operates mid-sized to large hydraulic excavators for the safe, accurate, and productive installation, repair, and maintenance of underground water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems. The ideal candidate brings strong deep-trench experience, sound judgment around live utilities, and a consistent commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork. Essential Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and related heavy equipment to install, repair, and maintain underground water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure.
• Excavate trenches approximately 5 to 25 feet deep in accordance with plans, grade requirements, soil conditions, and applicable safety standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, utility plans, project specifications, grade stakes, and excavation requirements.
• Safely expose and work around live water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunications, and other underground utilities while minimizing damage risk.
• Apply OSHA-compliant protective systems, including benching, trench boxes, hydraulic or engineered shoring, soil classification, and safe access and egress.
• Support the installation of pipe, manholes, catch basins, hydrants, and related structures.
• Coordinate closely with foremen, pipe layers, laborers, survey crews, and project supervisors to maintain safe and efficient production.
• Perform daily pre-operational and post-operational equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance or repair needs.
• Assist with backfilling, compaction, grading, site restoration, and other construction activities as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and productive work area and perform other duties assigned by management. Minimum Qualifications
• At least 3 years of excavator operating experience on underground water and sewer installation projects.
• Demonstrated ability to operate mid-sized to large hydraulic excavators with precision and productivity in congested utility corridors.
• Experience with deep-trench excavation and multiple live underground utilities.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA excavation, trenching, and construction-site safety requirements.
• Mechanical knowledge sufficient to identify equipment concerns and support routine troubleshooting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a coordinated utility crew.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work the assigned rotation in demanding outdoor conditions.
• Membership in the applicable labor union, or eligibility and willingness to obtain membership upon hire.
• A valid commercial driver's license and clean driving record are preferred. Certifications
• OSHA Trenching and Excavation Competent Person Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification

HAZWOPER

Certification (40-hour preferred) is desired but not required. Travel and Work Schedule

• 3 weeks on / 1 week off rotation
• Company-paid travel to and from the project
• Company-provided lodging during scheduled work rotations
• Daily per diem
• Frequent travel between project locations as operational needs require Working Conditions This position requires work in physically demanding, fast-paced construction environments, including deep excavations, extreme heat, high humidity, variable weather, uneven terrain, and active equipment zones.

Candidates must be able to safely perform all essential job functions under these conditions. What We Offer

• Competitive wages based on qualifications and experience
• Company-paid travel and lodging
• Daily per diem
• Consistent rotational schedule
• Modern, well-maintained equipment
• Career advancement opportunities
• 401(k)
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• A safety-first culture focused on protecting every employee About Gerke Excavating Inc.

Gerke Excavating Inc. is a trusted heavy civil construction and underground utility contractor committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure with safety, integrity, and craftsmanship. We invest in the equipment, training, and support our employees need to succeed. If you are an experienced mainline excavator operator who takes pride in safe, precise, and productive work, we encourage you to apply and join the Gerke Excavating Inc. team.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person