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Utility Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing ... Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing ... Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing ... Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing ... Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing ... Position Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Location Richmond, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Location Petersburg, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

South Hill, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Location South Hill, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Location Chantilly, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Location Chesterfield, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Powhatan, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Location Powhatan, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Location Fredericksburg, VA Market General Utility Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Boydton, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

South Boston, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top ... The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ...

Power Design, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Position Summary We're looking for a highly skilled Equipment Operator with 5+ years of experience ... This role is essential to supporting our electrical and utility installations through safe and ...

Power Design, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Position Summary We're looking for a highly skilled Equipment Operator with 5+ years of experience ... This role is essential to supporting our electrical and utility installations through safe and ...

Power Design

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Position Summary We're looking for a highly skilled Equipment Operator with 5+ years of experience ... This role is essential to supporting our electrical and utility installations through safe and ...

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Utility Equipment Operator information

What is the difference between Utility Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectUtility Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, heavy machinery certifications
Work EnvironmentUtilities, construction sites, municipal projectsConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Job DutiesOperate utility vehicles, maintain equipment, assist in utility installationOperate bulldozers, excavators, loaders for large-scale earthmoving

Utility Equipment Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators both work in construction and infrastructure projects, often sharing safety certifications and working environments. However, Utility Equipment Operators focus on utility-specific vehicles and tasks, while Heavy Equipment Operators handle larger machinery for earthmoving and excavation. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Infographic showing various Utility Equipment Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA

Benchmark Utility Services
Utilities • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Benchmark Utility Servicesexternal

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 500 projects spanning over ten (10) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing excavation and earthmoving tasks in support of utility construction and sitework projects. This role involves operating a range of heavy equipment-primarily medium to large size excavators-to dig trenches, move materials, set structures and pipes and prepare sites for utility installation. The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels)

  • Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation, and backfill.
  • Perform precise excavation around live utilities, maintaining strict adherence to safety and Miss Utility guidelines.
  • Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, perform routine maintenance (fueling, lubrication, fluid checks), and report any issues immediately.
  • Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times.
  • Assist the crew with trench preparation, pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup when not operating equipment.
  • Communicate clearly with spotters and crew members using hand signals and radios to ensure safe coordination.
  • Load, unload, and position materials and trench boxes safely using proper rigging techniques.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area; follow company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Document equipment uses, inspections, and fuel logs accurately as required.
  • Support general labor, excavation and other site tasks as assigned.

Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavation or heavy construction equipment.
  • Proven ability to perform precision excavation near utilities and structures.
  • Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices.
  • OSHA certification preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small trailers a plus.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.
  • Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment.
  • Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Reliable, safety-minded, and drug-free.

Benefits

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth. If you possess the Qualifications and skills to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Equal Opportunity Employer.

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