1

Backfill Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Plow Operator

Stanfield, OR ยท On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

This is a hands-on field position operating conduit plows, trenchers, and related heavy equipment ... backfill, grading, restoration, and site cleanup as needed. * Perform daily equipment inspections ...

Laborer

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$23.23 - $31.27/hr

Spotter for equipment operators, trucks * Level earth to fine grade specifications * Build forms ... Must be able to hand dig and backfill holes * Hand eye coordination and balance. Physical dexterity

Irrigation Tech - Portland/Tualatin

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

This position is adept at operating different kinds of heavy machinery such as trenchers and soil ... Backfill and compact in clean manner to minimize spoils, signs of excavation, and settling.

Backfill Operator information

What is the difference between Backfill Operator vs Drilling Operator?

AspectBackfill OperatorDrilling Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, excavation areasOil & gas drilling rigs, mining sites
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, infrastructure projectsOil & gas, mineral extraction

Backfill Operators and Drilling Operators both work in industrial environments requiring safety certifications and on-the-job training. While Backfill Operators focus on filling excavations and supporting construction projects, Drilling Operators specialize in operating drilling equipment for resource extraction. Both roles are essential in their industries but differ in specific tasks and work settings.

What does backfill mean in a job?

In a backfill operator role, backfill refers to filling a position that has become vacant, often to ensure continuous workflow. This may involve replacing an employee who has left or is on leave, and requires knowledge of the job site, equipment, and safety procedures.

Plow Operator

Stanfield, OR โ€ข On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now


Job description

Build Underground Infrastructure That Keeps Communities Connected
Windwave is looking for an experienced Plow Operator to support underground fiber optic and telecommunications construction projects. This is a hands-on field position operating conduit plows, trenchers, and related heavy equipment to safely install underground conduit and fiber infrastructure.

We're looking for an operator who understands underground construction, respects existing utilities, takes care of their equipment, and takes pride in quality work.

What You’ll Do:
  • Safely operate conduit plows, trenchers, and related underground construction equipment.
  • Install underground conduit, innerduct, and telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Determine appropriate installation methods based on terrain, soil conditions, project requirements, and existing utilities.
  • Monitor plow depth, trench dimensions, and equipment performance to ensure installations meet specifications.
  •   Read construction plans, utility locate markings, work orders, and project specifications.
  • Coordinate with crews and utility locators to safely work around existing underground facilities.
  •   Assist with excavation, conduit placement, backfill, grading, restoration, and site cleanup as needed.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Track footage, production quantities, utility conflicts, and daily job progress.
  • Maintain a safe, productive, and professional jobsite.

What You’ll Bring
  • 2+ years of experience operating conduit plows, trenchers, or similar underground construction equipment.
  • Knowledge of underground utility construction and damage-prevention practices.
  • Ability to read construction plans and utility locate markings.
  • Familiarity with OSHA trenching and excavation safety requirements.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding outdoor work.
 
Telecommunications or fiber construction experience is preferred.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
  • CDL.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.
  • Competent Person – Trenching & Excavation certification.
  • Hydro-excavation experience.
  • Must pass drug screen and background check.

Work Environment:
This is a field-based position working primarily outdoors on active construction sites in varying weather and terrain. The role requires working around heavy equipment, traffic, excavations, and underground utilities.

Travel, overnight stays, overtime, and occasional weekend work may be required based on project schedules.

Benefits:
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance.
  • Life & long-term disability insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Tuition reimbursement.