Service Trenching Operator/Groundman
Role Overview
The Service Trenching Operator/Groundman is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment while assisting crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground electric utility infrastructure. This position supports daily construction activities by safely operating equipment, performing manual labor, handling materials, maintaining tools and equipment, and assisting with utility service installations. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, quality workmanship, and customer service.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
About the Role
The Service Trenching Operator/Groundman is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment while assisting crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground electric utility infrastructure. This position supports daily construction activities by safely operating equipment, performing manual labor, handling materials, maintaining tools and equipment, and assisting with utility service installations. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, quality workmanship, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate trenchers, mini excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and other construction equipment.
- Excavate trenches for underground electric, communication, and utility service installations.
- Perform potholing and expose existing utilities using approved methods.
- Assist with backfilling, compaction, grading, and site restoration activities.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete required maintenance checks.
- Report equipment defects, maintenance needs, and safety concerns immediately.
Groundman Responsibilities
- Assist crews with the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems.
- Load, unload, transport, and stage materials, tools, and equipment.
- Assist with pulling cable, setting vaults, conduit installation, and service connections.
- Hand-dig around existing utilities and sensitive areas as required.
- Perform traffic control and jobsite setup activities.
- Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
- Follow direction from Foremen, Equipment Operators, and Crew Leaders.
Safety & Compliance
Follow all OSHA, company, and customer safety requirements.
Participate in daily job briefings, tailboards, and safety meetings.
Identify and avoid underground utility conflicts before excavation begins.
Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Maintain awareness of excavation, trenching, grounding, and shoring requirements.
Support emergency outage response and storm restoration efforts when required.
Key Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to safely operate trenching or excavation equipment.
- Ability to perform physically demanding construction work.
- Basic understanding of underground utility construction practices.
- Strong commitment to workplace safety.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- CDL Class A or Class B license.
- Previous electric utility, telecommunications, pipeline, or underground construction experience.
- Experience operating trenchers, backhoes, mini excavators, and skid steers.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Utility locating experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of excavation and trench safety requirements.
- Ability to read construction prints, staking sheets, and work orders.
- Ability to identify underground utility conflicts and hazards.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
- Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
- Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive movements.
- Ability to work in trenches, confined spaces, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and emergency restoration assignments as needed.
- Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in extreme weather conditions.
Work Environment
Outdoor utility construction sites.
Exposure to traffic, excavation hazards, heavy equipment, and energized utility systems.
Frequent travel to job sites may be required.
Overtime, storm restoration, and emergency response work may be required.
Application Deadline: This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The Company reserves the right to extend or close the posting based on business needs and applicable policy requirements. Important Information: Applicants may be asked: “Are you currently employed by the Company?” For standard external opportunities, this question is used for applicant classification, reporting, and workforce analytics purposes only.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing firms. Resumes submitted without a signed, written agreement with the Company and outside the approved HR/Recruiter process will not be reviewed or considered, and the Company will not be responsible for any associated fees.
About United Utility Services
Private U.S. electric-grid infrastructure contractor providing engineering, construction, maintenance, repairs, and storm response for utilities and municipalities.
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