Excavator Operator
Aerotek, Cold Spring, MN, United States
Job Title: Fiber Optic Utility Installation Operator
Job Description
This role focuses on installing fiber optic cable and other underground utilities while operating a variety of heavy equipment and performing hands-on excavation work. You will combine skilled operation of a mini excavator and other machinery with manual labor to support safe, efficient, and high-quality utility installations in outdoor environments.
Responsibilities
Install fiber optic cable and other utility lines according to project specifications and safety standards.
Operate a mini excavator with a high level of skill and precision in a variety of soil and site conditions.
Operate additional equipment such as skid loaders, mini excavators, directional boring machines, and locating equipment as needed.
Perform digging and trenching by hand when required to expose utilities or complete detailed work safely.
Support general construction and utility installation tasks, including site preparation, backfilling, and basic restoration.
Use hand tools and construction tools safely and effectively during installation and cleanup activities.
Assist with locating existing utilities to prevent damage during excavation and boring operations.
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining focus on safety, quality, and productivity.
Follow all safety procedures, wear appropriate protective equipment, and help maintain a clean and organized job site.
Collaborate with crew members and communicate clearly to ensure efficient, coordinated field operations.
Essential Skills
Proven skill and experience operating a mini excavator in a construction or utility setting.
At least 1 year of experience working outdoors in a physically demanding role.
Willingness to perform manual labor and get hands dirty as part of daily responsibilities.
Ability to operate or learn to operate equipment such as skid loaders and directional boring machines.
Basic experience with general construction or landscaping tasks.
Ability to use hand tools safely and effectively.
Comfort working in outdoor environments, including hot, cold, and rainy conditions.
Strong safety awareness and ability to follow established procedures on active job sites.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Directional boring experience is highly valued and considered a strong plus.
Previous experience installing fiber optic cable or other utility lines is beneficial.
Background in construction, general labor, or landscaping is advantageous.
Experience using locating equipment to identify underground utilities is a plus.
Ability to stay productive during year-round work, including in less favorable weather conditions.
Reliable work ethic and willingness to support the crew with a variety of tasks.
Why Work Here?
You will join a team that values stability, growth, and a supportive work culture. Field crews typically return home at night the vast majority of the time, supporting a more predictable daily routine. The company is actively growing and reinvesting in its operations, creating opportunities to learn new skills and work with modern equipment. Colleagues describe the team as a good group of people to work with, and the organization maintains steady workloads throughout the year, including in winter, providing more consistent employment and income.
Work Environment
This is a field-based role working outdoors on utility installation projects. You will work in a range of weather conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy days, and work usually continues unless there is severe or prolonged inclement weather. The work involves installing utility lines, including fiber optic cables, using equipment such as mini excavators, skid loaders, directional boring machines, and locating equipment, along with regular use of hand tools. The environment is physically demanding, involving digging, lifting, and moving materials on active construction sites. Dress typically includes practical outdoor workwear and appropriate personal protective equipment suitable for construction and varying weather conditions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cold Spring, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $28.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cold Spring,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
Job Description
This role focuses on installing fiber optic cable and other underground utilities while operating a variety of heavy equipment and performing hands-on excavation work. You will combine skilled operation of a mini excavator and other machinery with manual labor to support safe, efficient, and high-quality utility installations in outdoor environments.
Responsibilities
Install fiber optic cable and other utility lines according to project specifications and safety standards.
Operate a mini excavator with a high level of skill and precision in a variety of soil and site conditions.
Operate additional equipment such as skid loaders, mini excavators, directional boring machines, and locating equipment as needed.
Perform digging and trenching by hand when required to expose utilities or complete detailed work safely.
Support general construction and utility installation tasks, including site preparation, backfilling, and basic restoration.
Use hand tools and construction tools safely and effectively during installation and cleanup activities.
Assist with locating existing utilities to prevent damage during excavation and boring operations.
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining focus on safety, quality, and productivity.
Follow all safety procedures, wear appropriate protective equipment, and help maintain a clean and organized job site.
Collaborate with crew members and communicate clearly to ensure efficient, coordinated field operations.
Essential Skills
Proven skill and experience operating a mini excavator in a construction or utility setting.
At least 1 year of experience working outdoors in a physically demanding role.
Willingness to perform manual labor and get hands dirty as part of daily responsibilities.
Ability to operate or learn to operate equipment such as skid loaders and directional boring machines.
Basic experience with general construction or landscaping tasks.
Ability to use hand tools safely and effectively.
Comfort working in outdoor environments, including hot, cold, and rainy conditions.
Strong safety awareness and ability to follow established procedures on active job sites.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Directional boring experience is highly valued and considered a strong plus.
Previous experience installing fiber optic cable or other utility lines is beneficial.
Background in construction, general labor, or landscaping is advantageous.
Experience using locating equipment to identify underground utilities is a plus.
Ability to stay productive during year-round work, including in less favorable weather conditions.
Reliable work ethic and willingness to support the crew with a variety of tasks.
Why Work Here?
You will join a team that values stability, growth, and a supportive work culture. Field crews typically return home at night the vast majority of the time, supporting a more predictable daily routine. The company is actively growing and reinvesting in its operations, creating opportunities to learn new skills and work with modern equipment. Colleagues describe the team as a good group of people to work with, and the organization maintains steady workloads throughout the year, including in winter, providing more consistent employment and income.
Work Environment
This is a field-based role working outdoors on utility installation projects. You will work in a range of weather conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy days, and work usually continues unless there is severe or prolonged inclement weather. The work involves installing utility lines, including fiber optic cables, using equipment such as mini excavators, skid loaders, directional boring machines, and locating equipment, along with regular use of hand tools. The environment is physically demanding, involving digging, lifting, and moving materials on active construction sites. Dress typically includes practical outdoor workwear and appropriate personal protective equipment suitable for construction and varying weather conditions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cold Spring, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $28.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cold Spring,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.