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Small Excavation Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Civil - Geotechnical

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$90 - $133/hr

In this role, you will have the opportunity to partner cross-functionallyon both small-scale and ... excavation support including tieback installation and testing; * Proven experience in preparing ...

Excavation activities and deep foundation systems, including piling and specialty foundation ... Large and small-bore piping installations for plant utilities, including water, steam, natural gas ...

In this role, you will have the opportunity to partner cross-functionally on both small-scale and ... excavation support including tieback installation and testing; * Proven experience in preparing ...

Be Seen First

STEVENS specializes in heavy rigging, civil concrete, earthwork, demolition and excavation. We also ... small, to overcome their most challenging project obstacles. STEVENS is vested, start to finish, to ...

Excavation activities and deep foundation systems, including piling and specialty foundation ... Large and small-bore piping installations for plant utilities, including water, steam, natural gas ...

Project Geotechnical Engineer

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$90K - $133K/yr

In this role, you will have the opportunity to partner cross-functionally on both small-scale and ... excavation support including tieback installation and testing; * Proven experience in preparing ...

Be Seen First

STEVENS specializes in heavy rigging, civil concrete, earthwork, demolition and excavation. We also ... small, to overcome their most challenging project obstacles. STEVENS is vested, start to finish, to ...

Showing results 41-60

Small Excavation information

What is small excavation?

Small excavation refers to the process of digging, removing, or moving earth and other materials on a smaller scale, typically for residential, landscaping, or minor construction projects. This work often involves the use of compact machinery like mini-excavators or backhoes to create trenches, foundations, or to clear land. Small excavation is commonly needed for installing utilities, building driveways, or preparing a site for a garden or pool. It requires knowledge of soil types, safety protocols, and sometimes permits, depending on local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small excavation operator?

To thrive as a Small Excavation Operator, you need expertise in operating excavation machinery, understanding site plans, and knowledge of safety regulations, often gained through vocational training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as mini-excavators, loaders, and utility location devices is essential, along with any required operator licenses. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient excavation work on construction sites.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in small excavation roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in small excavation often encounter challenges such as working in tight or restricted spaces, ensuring safety around underground utilities, and managing varying soil conditions. To address these issues, it's important to conduct thorough site surveys, use appropriate equipment designed for compact areas, and follow strict safety protocols. Regular communication with site supervisors and utility companies also helps minimize risks and ensures efficient project completion.

What is the difference between Small Excavation vs Trenching Contractor?

AspectSmall ExcavationTrenching Contractor
CredentialsGeneral excavation licenses, OSHA safety trainingSame as small excavation, with specialized trench safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, and landscaping sitesPrimarily trenching for utilities, drainage, and foundations
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, demolitionUtility installation, drainage, and foundation work

Small excavation and trenching contractors share similar credentials and work environments, but trenching contractors focus specifically on digging trenches for utilities and drainage. While small excavation covers broader tasks, trenching is specialized for narrow, deep excavations. Both roles are essential in construction and utility projects, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes.

What are small excavation jobs?

Small excavation jobs involve digging, trenching, or moving earth on a limited scale, often for residential projects like landscaping, foundation work, or utility installation. These tasks typically require the use of compact equipment such as mini excavators and may involve basic site preparation and safety procedures.

What job categories do people searching Small Excavation jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Utility Locator (Elkhart, IN)

NORTHERN LIGHTS & JDH CONTRACTING

Elkhart, IN โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc.ย was created in March of 2001 to provide services to clients with a need to protect their utility networks. Not just a โ€˜Paint and Flagโ€™ service, Northern Lights delivers locating and inspection expertise that goes beyond that of traditional utility location. Northern Lights provides protection to our customers utility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have since expanded into Sewer Imaging, inspection, and locating sewer mains/laterals using the latest technology on the market. We also perform Inspection work/services on utility project throughout the United States.

Northern Lights Locating and Inspection Incย is looking for Utility Locators.ย  We offer competitive pay, great benefits andย  a paid time off program.ย  We focus on allowing our locators to run their area independently as needed but there is a support system in place for them as well.ย  Please apply and join the Northern Lights Team!
NORTHERN LIGHTS ย UTILITY LOCATOR

STATUS:ย Full Time, Employee

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 2 years Locator experience required.
JOB SUMMARY:

  • Locate underground utilities for clients and property owners based on 811 tickets per 811 dig laws
  • Uses utility maps, as-built civil engineering drawings, G.I.S. information, and various pipe and electronic locating equipment
  • Utilizes flags and/or paint to mark the location of underground utilities
  • Prepares various reports, forms, and memos to document work completed, and problems encountered and/or resolved
  • Take pictures of utility line located for each 811 ticket
  • Investigates and prepares detailed written documentation on excavations that result in damage to underground utilities
  • Candidates need to be comfortable with using Cell phone-based app to record locating marks for clients property for excavators and property owners.ย  App holds photos and enables locators to complete all documents needed for locate
  • On-call rotation

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Know best locate practices, procedures and 811 lawย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Read and interpret utility maps and as-built civil engineering drawings
  • Maintain cleanliness and good operating condition of all provided equipment and vehicle
  • Ability to maintain a Tobacco free vehicle
  • Locate underground utilities using multiple methods of locating
  • Understand and carry out written and oral instructions
  • Maintain small- to medium-sized equipment and trucks
  • Complete paperwork and documentation
  • Communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
  • Attention to Detail
  • Be able to work in all weather conditions
  • Willingness to Travel (75% +)
  • Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Able to pass a drug screen
  • Must have valid Driverโ€™s License and the ability to obtain a DOT physical certification.ย 
  • Must be available to work varying schedules and overtime
  • Maintains regular attendance and punctuality


PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

  • Self-motivated and able to learn quickly
  • Team oriented and have exemplary character.
  • Safety focused


NORTHERN LIGHTS OFFERS:

  • Competitive pay
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation Time.
  • Affordable benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD and Life
  • 401(k) Plan โ€“ with match!

JDH Contracting, Inc. and Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

JDH Contracting, Inc. and Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc. participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more, please visitย www.e-verify.gov