Mainline Excavator Operator
Top Tier Grading Company | Baraboo, Wisconsin
About Top Tier Grading Company
Top Tier Grading Company takes pride in doing the highest-quality work possible while working efficiently and safely.
We are equipped with modern GPS-integrated equipment and continue to invest in new technology, training, and education as the industry evolves.
Our team is made up of highly motivated people with years of experience across many areas of the construction industry.
We take pride in going the extra mile on every project and doing the job right. Our typical scope of work includes site clearing, mass earthwork, site development, building and basement excavation, and site utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.
The majority of our projects are commercial, with some residential work as well.
The Position
We're looking for an experienced Mainline Excavator Operator to join our utility crew.
This is a specialized position for someone with experience installing water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer who understands how an entire utility crew needs to work together.
The excavator operator plays a major role in the productivity and quality of the crew.
The right person needs to understand the plans, maintain proper grades and elevations, work closely with the pipelayer, recognize changing site conditions, and operate the excavator safely and efficiently.
This isn't a position where we simply want someone who can sit in a machine and dig.
We want an operator who understands the work, pays attention to what's happening around them, communicates with the crew, and takes ownership of getting the job done correctly.
We use modern GPS-integrated equipment, including Topcon machine-control systems, and continue to invest in technology that allows our crews to work more accurately and efficiently.
What You'll Do
Other duties may be required and assigned.
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Operate an excavator skillfully and efficiently for the installation of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.
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Excavate utility trenches to the required grades, depths, slopes, and elevations.
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Work closely with the pipelayer to maintain proper trench dimensions, bedding depths, and grades.
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Read, interpret, and execute utility, grading, and construction plans.
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Understand utility profiles, elevations, slopes, and other information necessary to properly complete the work.
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Operate Topcon GPS machine-control systems or demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn.
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Safely operate an excavator in tight spaces and around existing utilities, structures, equipment, and crew members.
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Communicate effectively with the pipelayer, foreman, laborers, and other crew members.
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Recognize changing soil conditions and understand how they affect excavation and trenching.
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Pay attention to existing utilities and other potential hazards within the work area.
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Identify potential problems with grades, trench conditions, utilities, or site conditions and communicate them early.
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Perform basic equipment maintenance, including greasing equipment and checking fluid levels.
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Keep equipment and the surrounding work area clean and organized.
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Perform manual labor when needed, including occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds.
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Assist the grading crew and other company crews as needed.
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Operate other equipment, such as dozers or skid steers, when needed and as qualified.
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Follow all company and job-site safety requirements.
What This Role Is — and Isn't
We don't want someone who simply waits for instructions from the foreman.
A good mainline excavator operator understands what the crew is trying to accomplish and what needs to happen next.
You should be able to look at the plans, understand the required grade, communicate with the pipelayer, and operate your machine in a way that keeps the entire crew productive.
If something doesn't look right, speak up.
If the grade isn't working, figure out why.
If the soil conditions change, recognize it.
If the pipelayer needs something, communicate and work together to get it done.
The best operators make the people around them better and help the entire crew work more efficiently.
We're looking for someone who can work independently, make good decisions in the field, and take ownership of their work while still being a strong team player.
Who We're Looking For
Our shop is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the majority of our projects are located within approximately an hour of our shop.
Our typical service area stretches from the Wisconsin Dells and Mauston area toward Madison and into the Dousman and Waukesha areas.
The majority of our work is concentrated in Dane County and the surrounding areas.
Our operators should be comfortable traveling throughout our service area and working at different project locations as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Starting pay is based on experience.
This is a full-time position with opportunities for increased pay based on performance.
Our benefits package includes:
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Health insurance
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Dental insurance
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Vision insurance
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401(k)
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Life insurance
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Paid time off
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Paid travel time
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Paid holidays
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Weekly pay
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Potential for increased pay based on performance
Benefits are available after the applicable waiting period.
Top Tier Grading Company is a merit shop, and compensation is based on individual performance, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
Schedule
Full-time
Monday through Friday
Experience & Qualifications
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4+ years of excavator experience preferred
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4+ years of mainline utility installation experience preferred
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Valid driver's license required
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Class A CDL preferred
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High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Join the Top Tier Team
We're looking for an experienced excavator operator who takes pride in their work, understands mainline utility installation, and wants to be part of a team that cares about doing things right.
If you can operate an excavator confidently, understand utility installation, work closely with a pipelayer, read the plans, and take ownership of your work, we'd like to talk to you.
If you're the kind of operator who knows how to make the entire utility crew more productive—not just how to run an excavator—we'd especially like to hear from you.