Pipe Utility Backhoe Operator

Department: Field Operations

Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN)

Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal

Pay Type / Range:

Journeyman Union Scale.  $46.61 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment)
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.)

Union Benefits & Additional Information:

• Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)
  • Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union.
  • As a salaried employee, you will be a non-bargaining union member.
• Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.
• PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work.
• Referral bonuses – earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
• Annual boot allowance.

Job Summary: The Pipe Utility Backhoe Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a backhoe to excavate trenches for the installation or repair of underground utilities such as water mains, sanitary sewers, storm drains, and conduits. The operator must work closely with the pipe crew to ensure proper trench depth, alignment, and safety throughout the installation process.

Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test.  References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.

Job Duties & Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Operate backhoe to dig trenches and excavations to specified depths, widths, and slopes for utility pipe installation.
• Work closely with the Utility Foreman and pipe crew to ensure trench lines are accurate and safe for installation.
• Handle excavation around existing utilities with care and precision.
• Load and unload materials as needed (e.g., bedding stone, spoil, pipe).
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
• Safely maneuver equipment in tight work zones and around other crew members.
• Monitor trench conditions and help maintain OSHA-compliant trench safety (e.g., benching, sloping, or shoring).
• Use grade stakes, laser levels, and hand signals to coordinate with laborers and crew members.
• Backfill and compact trenches using appropriate materials and methods.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
• Report equipment issues, hazards, or near-miss incidents promptly.
• Display a professional and respectful attitude towards co-workers, supervisors, inspectors, and the general public at all times.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors.
• Follow company and industry safety standards and procedures at all times.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating a backhoe in utility or civil construction.
• Strong understanding of trenching practices and underground utility installation.
• Ability to read utility site plans, grade stakes, and follow laser/grade control.
• Familiarity with safe digging practices, including locating existing utilities (One Call/811 knowledge).
• OSHA 10 certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
• CDL Class A or B license is a plus.
• Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
• High school education or GED equivalent.
• Strong team player
• Reliable and on-time.

Live up to our company Core Values:

• Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture.
• Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future.  Quality leads to consistency.  Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business.
• Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace. 
• Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation.  Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
• Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee’s share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality.  Commitment shows and can be contagious. 

Company Information:

For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service.

At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work.  Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service.

 More reasons to join BR:

• Family owned and operated
• Paid Training
• Advancement opportunities – we aim to promote within
• No out of town jobs / home every night
• Family Oriented – Annual events

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.