Excavator Operator
Precision earthworks and heavy plant operation on active construction sites
Johannesburg | Working hours: 7am – 5pm | Salary: Market Related
About Our Client
Our client operates within the construction and earthworks sector, delivering projects that require high standards of safety, accuracy, and productivity. The business is focused on disciplined site execution and compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements. This role offers the opportunity to work on technically demanding projects using large-scale equipment.
The Role: Excavator Operator
The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy crawler or wheeled excavators to excavate, move, and load earth, rock, and other materials. The role requires a high level of precision for trenching, grading, and bulk earthworks while strictly adhering to safety, health, and environmental standards. The operator will work closely with site teams to ensure excavation work meets engineering and project specifications.
Key Responsibilities
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5–8 years experience operating excavators in the 20-ton to 50-ton range on construction or earthworks sites
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Operate excavators safely and accurately for complex digging, trenching to specified depths and angles, and loading of ADTs or tippers
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Conduct daily pre-start inspections including oil levels, hydraulics, track tension, and grease points, and record findings in the machine logbook
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Interpret site plans, level pegs, and GPS guidance systems to achieve required excavation tolerances
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Identify and avoid underground services in coordination with the site surveyor
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Perform basic on-site maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly to minimise downtime
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Comply with all OHS Act and site-specific safety and environmental protocols
About You
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5–8 years of proven excavator operating experience on large machines (20–50 ton class)
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Valid Excavator Operator Certificate of Competence (Unit Standard ID 262744, NQF Level 2)
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Valid plastic Excavator Operators Card, current and compliant with renewal requirements
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Valid Code EB or Code 14 (EC) drivers licence
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Valid Annexure 3 medical fitness certificate for heavy machinery operation
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Experience using excavator attachments including hydraulic hammers/breakers, grapples, and various bucket sizes
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Strong technical understanding of soil stability, benching, and shoring requirements
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Ability to communicate clearly in English or the dominant site language using two-way radio
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Willingness to work overtime, shifts, and in remote locations when required
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High levels of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and resilience to outdoor working conditions
