Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Highway Maintenance Technician supports safe, reliable roadways by assisting with routine maintenance under the guidance of an experienced crew leader. This position will support tasks such as pothole patching, debris and litter removal, mowing and trimming, sign and fence repairs, and basic drainage work. The role includes setting up simple work zone traffic control as directed, operating hand and power tools safely, and keeping equipment clean and in good working order. The role will document work performed, follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements, and communicate clearly with your team to complete daily assignments.

This is an entry-level, hands-on role with training provided. Work is outdoors in all weather, may include night or weekend shifts, and can involve on-call response during storms or emergencies. Candidates must bring a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. Team members will gain skills, earn certifications, and build a career in highway maintenance while making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
This position reports to the South Prince George, VA office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a strong safety-first mindset in all tasks, following company and regulatory safety protocols to protect yourself, your team, and the traveling public.
• Perform landscape maintenance, including mowing, herbicide and fertilizer application, weed control, seasonal clean-ups, tree trimming, and pruning, to ensure clear sightlines and safe road conditions.
• Clean and grade ditches, stormwater drainage structures, road shoulders, and slopes to prevent flooding and maintain roadway integrity.
• Conduct general roadway maintenance, sign repair or replacement, and removal of litter and debris to keep highways safe and accessible.
• Repair and installation of property boundary fencing, to include linked, wooden, and vinyl
• Repair and replace guardrail components and attenuators to enhance roadside safety features.
• Perform concrete repairs on sidewalks, bridges, and overpasses, ensuring structural soundness and pedestrian safety.
• Fill and patch asphalt pavement potholes and other surface distresses to provide smooth, hazard-free driving surfaces
• Set up and maintain Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and temporary traffic control zones, protecting work crews and motorists during roadwork.
• Respond promptly to after-hours emergency incidents as part of a scheduled on-call rotation, demonstrating reliability and readiness.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure equipment is safe and operational.
• Perform preventative maintenance on company vehicles and equipment, supporting long-term reliability and safety.
• Operate a wide range of equipment, including bed edgers, commercial mowers, tractors, mini-excavators, skid steers, gators, blowers, dump trailers, chain saws, line trimmers, forklifts, and more, with skill and care.
• Use hand tools and power equipment safely and effectively for various maintenance tasks.
• Drive company trucks, tow trailers, and operate rolling arrow boards as needed, following all traffic laws and safety guidelines.
• Accurately log maintenance work orders and checklists, both manually and electronically, to ensure clear communication and compliance.
• Load and unload equipment, supplies, tools, and materials safely and efficiently.
• Perform other duties as requested by project leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of roadway maintenance tasks such as debris removal, mowing/trimming, simple sign and fence repairs, and basic drainage work.
• Awareness of work zone safety fundamentals, PPE use, and hazard recognition near live traffic. MOT/Flagger concepts are a plus.
• Familiarity with safe operation of common hand and power tools (trimmers, edgers, blowers, pole saws); training provided.
• Follow safety procedures, stop work when conditions are unsafe, and use PPE correctly.
• Take direction well, ask clarifying questions, and complete assigned tasks. Use a smartphone or tablet to receive assignments, enter notes, upload photos, and communicate with the crew.
• Perform basic equipment care, such as cleaning tools and reporting defects.

Abilities

• Work independently on basic tasks and as a cooperative member of a crew while prioritizing safety and quality.
• Lift up to 50 lbs., regularly carry up to 25 lbs., and perform frequent bending, kneeling, climbing in and out of trucks, and walking on uneven terrain near traffic.
• Work outdoors in all weather, including heat, humidity, rain, and wind, and around dust, noise, vegetation, and roadside debris.
• Adapt to multiple shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-backs during storms.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 23 years old (per company insurance requirements).
• Must possess an active and valid United States driver’s license with no restrictions, and be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and maintain insurability under company policy.
• Basic math, reading, and recordkeeping skills to complete work orders and material logs accurately.
• Ability to obtain Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) or Flagger certification within company timelines
• Willing and able to travel within the assigned district and report to different work sites; living within a reasonable response time to the yard is preferred.
• Compliance with the company's Drug and Alcohol Policy; able to pass pre-employment and random testing. A background check and job-related physical may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Previous experience in road maintenance, landscaping, construction, or a related field is a plus, but no prior training will be provided for motivated candidates.