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AR Utilities & Excavation

Small Equipment Operator

Marion, Texas•Full-time
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About the Job
AR Utilities & Excavation LLC
Contact: 210-310-7890
Location: San Antonio, TX & Surrounding Areas
Position: Small Equipment Operator – Underground Utility Construction
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive Pay Based on Experience & Equipment Proficiency

Job Description:
AR Utilities & Excavation LLC is an established site utility construction company currently accepting applications for experienced Small Equipment Operators to join our underground utility construction crews.
Our company specializes in underground utility installation, including domestic water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and fire protection systems for commercial and civil construction projects.
We are seeking dependable, hardworking, and safety-conscious individuals with experience operating small construction equipment in active construction environments.
The ideal candidate will have experience operating skid steers, mini excavators, trenchers, compactors, and other small construction equipment. Applicants should be familiar with underground utility construction and willing to assist with general construction activities when equipment operation is not required.
This is a hands-on position that requires both equipment operation and physical labor. Applicants must be willing to work alongside pipe layers, laborers, and other crew members to complete daily construction activities.

Equipment Experience:
Applicants should have experience operating one or more of the following:
  • Skid Steers
  • Compact Track Loaders
  • Mini Excavators
  • Trenchers
  • Walk-Behind Trenchers
  • Vibratory Rollers
  • Plate Compactors
  • Trench Compactors
  • Jumping Jack Compactors
  • Small Backhoes
  • Other Small Construction Equipment
Experience operating multiple types of equipment is preferred and will be considered when determining compensation.

Job Responsibilities:
Equipment Operation
  • Safely and efficiently operate assigned small construction equipment.
  • Perform minor excavation and trenching for underground utility installations.
  • Assist with excavation for water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and fire line construction.
  • Operate skid steers and compact track loaders to move materials, load trucks, and maintain jobsites.
  • Operate mini excavators to perform trench excavation, utility exposure, and backfill activities.
  • Perform grading, leveling, and site preparation work.
  • Operate trench compactors, rollers, and other compaction equipment.
  • Assist with placing pipe bedding materials and backfilling utility trenches.
  • Load, unload, and transport materials around active construction sites.
  • Work closely with foremen and utility crews to maintain daily production schedules.
Underground Utility Construction:
  • Assist with the installation of underground water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and fire protection utilities.
  • Understand basic trench excavation, pipe bedding, backfilling, and compaction procedures.
  • Follow construction stakes, utility markings, and directions provided by foremen.
  • Assist with the installation of pipe, fittings, valves, manholes, and other utility structures.
  • Recognize existing underground utilities and exercise caution when working near them.
  • Assist with exposing existing utilities using approved excavation methods.
  • Maintain proper excavation depths and grades as directed by the foreman.
  • Perform general construction labor when equipment operation is not required.
Equipment Maintenance & Accountability:
  • Conduct daily pre-operation equipment inspections.
  • Check fluid levels, hydraulic systems, tracks, tires, and attachments.
  • Perform routine maintenance, including greasing, cleaning, and checking equipment condition.
  • Report mechanical problems, equipment damage, and unsafe operating conditions immediately.
  • Maintain equipment in a clean and professional condition.
  • Operate equipment responsibly to prevent unnecessary damage and excessive wear.
  • Maintain accountability for assigned equipment, tools, and attachments.
Production & Jobsite Efficiency:
  • Work efficiently to meet daily construction production expectations.
  • Coordinate equipment operations with pipe layers, laborers, and heavy equipment operators.
  • Minimize unnecessary equipment downtime and excessive idling.
  • Anticipate the needs of crew members and assist with material handling and jobsite preparation.
  • Understand that equipment utilization and productivity directly impact project costs and schedules.
  • Take initiative to assist with other construction activities when equipment is not in use.
  • Follow instructions and complete assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner.
Jobsite Safety:
  • Follow company safety policies and applicable OSHA construction regulations.
  • Understand basic excavation and trench safety procedures.
  • Maintain safe operating distances from workers, structures, and underground utilities.
  • Follow established utility locating and excavation procedures.
  • Properly use personal protective equipment.
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding personnel and equipment.
  • Never enter or allow others to enter unsafe excavations.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
  • Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, and equipment damage.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Previous experience operating small construction equipment is required.
  • Experience operating skid steers, mini excavators, trenchers, or compactors.
  • Underground utility construction experience preferred.
  • Basic understanding of excavation, trenching, grading, and backfilling operations.
  • Ability to safely operate equipment around personnel and existing utilities.
  • Willingness to perform physical construction labor when necessary.
  • Ability to follow directions from foremen and superintendents.
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to quality workmanship.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift and handle construction materials and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Reliable transportation to designated job sites.
  • Availability to work overtime and occasional weekends when project schedules require.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience operating multiple types of small construction equipment.
  • Experience with commercial site utility construction.
  • Familiarity with underground water, sewer, storm drainage, and fire line installations.
  • Experience with trench excavation and compaction.
  • Knowledge of basic construction grades and elevations.
  • Experience using construction lasers and grade rods.
  • OSHA 10 certification.
  • Experience performing basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

What We Expect From Our Operators:
At AR Utilities & Excavation LLC, we value employees who take pride in their work and understand the importance of safety, productivity, and teamwork.
Our small equipment operators are expected to demonstrate three essential qualities:
1. Equipment Proficiency & Safety:
Operators must demonstrate the ability to safely operate assigned equipment while maintaining awareness of surrounding workers, existing utilities, and jobsite conditions.
2. Productivity & Teamwork:
Operators must understand that equipment operation is only one part of the construction process. We expect employees to work efficiently, assist other crew members, and contribute to maintaining daily production schedules.
3. Equipment Care & Accountability:
Operators are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of assigned equipment. Daily inspections, preventative maintenance, and reporting mechanical issues are essential responsibilities.
We are seeking individuals who are dependable, motivated, and willing to contribute wherever needed to ensure the success of the entire construction crew.

Compensation & Benefits:
AR Utilities & Excavation LLC offers competitive compensation and benefits to qualified employees.
Compensation:
  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience and qualifications.
  • Higher compensation consideration for operators proficient in multiple types of equipment.
  • Full-time employment.
  • Opportunities for advancement into heavy equipment operator and crew leadership positions.
Employee Benefits:
  • Medical insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
  • Dental insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
  • Vision insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
  • Life insurance benefits.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.

Apply Today:
AR Utilities & Excavation LLC is currently accepting applications for experienced Small Equipment Operators.
Applicants must have previous equipment operating experience. Pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and the types of equipment the applicant can operate.
To Apply:
Phone: 210-310-7890
Call for an application or directions to our office.
Email: alopez@ar-ut.com
English- and Spanish-speaking applicants are welcome. Spanish-speaking staff is available to assist with the application and hiring process.
Se habla español.
AR Utilities & Excavation LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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