Heavy Equipment Operator / Excavation & Septic Laborer
Donogh Dynamics Excavation & Septic
Location: (based out of Peshastin, WA) — Serving Chelan, Douglas & Surrounding Counties
(Primarily in Chelan WA)
Job Type: Full-Time
Experience: 3+ Years Required
Pay: Competitive Hourly Pay — DOE
About Donogh Dynamics:
Donogh Dynamics is a growing excavation and septic company built on faith, integrity, quality workmanship, and treating people right. Rooted in Colossians 3:23, we strive to honor God through hard work, honest service, and taking pride in everything we do. We specialize in residential and commercial excavation, septic systems, utilities, grading, site preparation, retaining walls, demolition, and more.
We're looking for someone who takes pride in doing things the right way—not the easy way. If you're dependable, experienced, hardworking, and want to grow with a company built on strong values, we'd love to talk with you.
The Position
We are hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator / Excavation Laborer with a minimum of 3 years of professional excavation or heavy equipment experience.
This is not an entry-level position.
The ideal candidate is a skilled operator who understands excavation work, can think ahead on a jobsite, and is also willing to get out of the machine and work alongside the crew when needed.
We're looking for someone who can eventually be trusted to take ownership of portions of a project without needing constant supervision.
You'll Be Responsible For:
- Operating excavators, skid steers, loaders, and other construction equipment safely and efficiently
- Excavating around existing structures and underground utilities
- Reading grade stakes, elevations, plans, and jobsite layouts
- Trenching and installing water, sewer, electrical, drainage, and other underground utilities
- Assisting with septic tank, drainfield, pressure distribution, and other septic system installations
- Site preparation, foundation excavation, grading, backfilling, and compaction
- Setting tanks, catch basins, structures, pipe, and retaining wall materials
- Loading trucks and efficiently moving material
- Performing daily equipment inspections, greasing, and basic maintenance
- Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe jobsite
- Communicating professionally with customers, contractors, inspectors, and other crew members
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of professional excavation/heavy equipment operating experience
- Strong excavator operating experience
- Experience with residential or commercial excavation, underground utilities, sitework, or septic installation
- Ability to read and maintain grade and elevations
- Comfortable working around existing utilities and structures
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to perform physical construction labor and lift 75+ lbs.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
- Ability to work safely and efficiently with minimal supervision
- Good communication skills
- Professional references from previous employers
Preferred Experience
- Septic system installation
- Sewer and water utility installation
- Drainage and stormwater work
- Foundation and footing excavation
- Finish grading
- Retaining wall construction
- Reading construction plans
- Laser or GPS grading equipment
- CDL or additional construction certifications
The Person We're Looking For
Reliability is extremely important to us.
We're looking for someone who:
- Shows up on time and ready to work every day
- Takes pride in producing quality work
- Can think ahead instead of waiting to be told every step
- Works efficiently without cutting corners
- Takes care of equipment, trucks, and tools
- Is willing to get out of the machine and help on the ground
- Communicates when they have a question or see a potential problem
- Works well as part of a small crew
- Treats customers and coworkers respectfully
- Takes responsibility for their work
- Wants to continue learning and improving
- Is looking for a long-term position, not just another temporary construction job
This Is Not an Operator-Only Position
We want to be upfront about this.
Because we're a small excavation company, everyone helps wherever needed.
Some days you may spend most of the day running an excavator. Other days you may be setting pipe, checking grade, installing septic components, compacting material, spotting another operator, or performing general excavation labor.
We're looking for someone who understands that getting the job done is a team effort.
Schedule
Full-Time
Our typical schedule is four 10-hour days, although hours and days may vary depending on workload, weather, and project requirements.
Occasional overtime or schedule changes may be required.
Pay & Growth Opportunities
Competitive hourly pay based on experience, skill level, and qualifications.
We aren't just looking to fill a seat. We're looking for someone who can become a valuable long-term member of Donogh Dynamics.
For the right employee, there is opportunity for:
- Competitive hourly pay
- Overtime opportunities
- Performance-based raises
- Additional training and certifications
- Increased responsibility
- Advancement into a Lead Operator or Foreman position as the company grows
We believe someone who proves they are dependable, skilled, hardworking, and capable of taking responsibility should have the opportunity to grow with the company.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume or detailed work history and include:
- Total years of excavation/heavy equipment experience
- Types and sizes of equipment you have operated
- Previous excavation/construction employers
- Types of projects you've worked on
- Septic, utility, grading, or underground experience
- Relevant licenses or certifications
- At least two professional references
Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a hands-on operating evaluation as part of the hiring process.
If you're an experienced operator who is dependable, hardworking, takes pride in your work, and wants to build a long-term career with a growing excavation company, we'd like to hear from you.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavation