Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator – Deep Foundations (Per Diem)

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Clamshell Operator to join our Traveling Specialty Foundations Team and support deep excavation work on slurry wall, diaphragm wall, and cutoff wall projects across the United States. You will be a key member of the field crew, working closely with supervisors, engineers, and ground personnel to deliver accurate, safe, and on-schedule excavation at every job site.

Pay

$45–$60 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Operate cable and/or hydraulic clamshell (grab) equipment safely and efficiently.
• Carry out deep excavation for slurry walls, diaphragm walls, cutoff walls, and other specialty foundation systems.
• Keep excavation depth, alignment, and production on target with project specifications.
• Work closely with field supervisors, engineers, crane operators, slurry crews, and ground personnel.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and report any maintenance or repair needs.
• Help with equipment setup, rigging, mobilization, and relocation as needed.
• Watch for changes in soil and excavation conditions throughout operations.
• Comply with all company, project, and OSHA safety standards.
• Keep the area around operating equipment safe, clean, and organized.
• Contribute to overall crew productivity and help keep projects on schedule.
• Travel frequently to active job sites across the United States.
• Work overtime, nights, weekends, and extended shifts when project schedules require it.

Required Qualifications

• Current NCCCO Crane Operator Certification.
• Prior hands-on experience operating clamshell/grab equipment.
• Background running cable-grab and/or hydraulic-grab excavation equipment.
• Solid track record in heavy-equipment operation and jobsite safety.
• Able to conduct daily equipment inspections and spot potential mechanical problems.
• Able to work well alongside field crews, supervisors, and project teams.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather and jobsite conditions.
• Willing and able to travel often and stay on out-of-town projects for extended periods.

Preferred Experience

• Slurry wall construction
• Diaphragm walls
• Cutoff walls
• Deep excavation
• Clamshell/grab excavation
• Specialty foundations
• Geotechnical construction
• Dams and levees
• Heavy civil construction
• Marine construction
• Crawler cranes and specialty foundation equipment

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel to project sites throughout the United States. Candidates must be willing to remain on-site for extended assignments.