Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: 

Drainage Excavator Operator  

Reports to (Title): 

Hiring Manager  

Department: 

Craft  

Date: 06/30/2026

Location: 

Hampton Roads    

Prepared By: 

HR Department    

Job Code: 

FLSA Status: 

TBD 

Salary Grade: 

TBD    

Position Summary/Objective 

Hampton Roads Connector Partners is seeking an experienced Drainage Excavator Operator to join the HRBT Expansion Project team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in operating heavy excavation equipment for drainage system installation, trenching, and grading. This role is essential to ensuring the safe and precise construction of underground water management systems within a high-profile infrastructure project. 

The Hampton Roads Connector Partners JV (HRCP) consisting of Dragados, VINCI, and Flatiron has been selected to construct the $3.3bn Design Build project –the largest civil construction contract ever awarded by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).The project scope across a 9-mile section of the I-64 will include: a new 3.5-mile bridge-tunnel crossing that will accommodate a total of 8 lanes of capacity across the water, replacement of the existing marine approach bridges and the addition of a third lane on I-64 in each direction. The twin 45’ diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2025 

Principal/Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Safely operate excavators to dig trenches and prepare foundations for drainage systems. 

• Excavate to precise grades and slopes in accordance with project specifications. 

• Assist with installation of drainage pipes, culverts, manholes, and related structures. 

• Coordinate with ground crews and follow direction from site supervisors. 

• Maintain awareness of underground utilities and adhere to all excavation safety procedures. 

• Perform daily inspections of equipment, reporting any maintenance needs. 

• Follow all HRBT Expansion Project safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations. 

Other Duties as Assigned or Requested 

• Perform additional assignments as needed 

Qualifications  

Required 

Preferred 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating excavators in drainage or civil construction. 

• Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and safe excavation practices. 

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and grade requirements. 

• Valid equipment operator certification/license as required. 

• Commitment to working safely as part of a team. 

• 5+ years’ experience operating excavators in heavy civil, drainage, or utility projects. 

• Experience with GPS or laser-guided excavation systems. 

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety certification. 

• Experience working in high-traffic or restricted-access construction zones. 

• Knowledge of DOT and municipal drainage specifications. 

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural team environment. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Competencies 

• Familiarity with underground utility locating and protection procedures. 

• Strong awareness of jobsite hazards and ability to implement safety controls. 

• Effective teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with crew members. 

• Basic mechanical knowledge to perform minor troubleshooting and maintenance on equipment. 

People Management and Supervisory Responsibility 

Does this role supervise/manage other employees? 

Yes* 

No 

If yes indicate the number of direct reports: 

Indicate the total number of employees managed (direct and indirect reports):  

*Required: Complete the Supervisory/Management Responsibilities section at the end of the template and include an organizational chart. 

Revenue and/or Budget Responsibility 

Does this role have revenue and/or budget responsibility? 

Yes 

No 

   Does this role have other financial responsibilities? 

Yes 

No 

   If yes, describe responsibility:  

Other Scope Factors (location population, geographic areas, revenue, etc.) 

• Comprehensive compensation package  

• Health / Dental / Vision Insurance  

• Employer Paid Life Insurance and AD&D  

• Wellness Benefits & Employee Assistance Program  

• Paid Holidays  

• Paid Time Off  

Work Environment 

% of Travel Required 

TBD 

Work Environment 

• Outdoor construction site environment with exposure to weather, noise, and heavy equipment. 

• PPE required at all times. 

• Ability to work days, nights, and weekends as project needs require. 

Physical Demands 

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment. 

• Frequent climbing in and out of machinery. 

• Manual dexterity to operate controls with precision. 

• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials up to 50 lbs. 

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work 

40-60 Hours (Time May Varies) 

Work Authorization / Security Clearance 

N/A 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship. 

                                         HRCP and affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer