360 Excavator Operator

Fawkes & Reece are currently recruiting for an experienced 360- Excavator / Machine Operator to work on water and civil engineering projects across the M4 Corridor.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Machine Operator with a strong background in water, utilities, deep drainage, excavation and heavy civils.

The successful candidate will be responsible for safely operating 360- excavators across a range of activities including deep trench excavation, shoring, pipe installation, chamber construction, lifting, backfilling and reinstatement.

You will work closely with the Site Supervisor/Ganger and Slinger/Signaller to ensure works are completed safely, efficiently and to the required standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate 360- excavators on water, utility and civil engineering projects.
• Carry out deep trench and chamber excavations in accordance with approved methods and temporary-works requirements.
• Excavate accurately to formation levels and gradients.
• Work safely around live underground and overhead services.
• Carry out controlled excavation around identified and exposed services.
• Trim trench bottoms, form sumps and prepare chamber excavations.
• Install and remove trench boxes, sheets, frames and other proprietary shoring systems.
• Lift and position pipes, fittings, valves, precast chambers and temporary-works equipment where appropriately authorised.
• Work within machine load charts, rated capacities and safe working limits.
• Safely use quick hitches and a range of excavator attachments.
• Load dumpers and wagons and manage excavated materials.
• Backfill around pipework, chambers and existing services without causing damage.
• Complete daily plant inspections and report any defects immediately.
• Check safety devices, alarms, cameras, quick hitches, lifting points and fluid levels.
• Follow approved excavation and shoring sequences.
• Maintain safe stand-off distances from excavation edges.
• Keep spoil and materials within designated areas.
• Work closely with the authorised Slinger/Signaller during lifting operations.
• Maintain clear communication during lifting activities and stop operations if communication is lost.
• Ensure suspended loads are never slewed over personnel or occupied work areas.
• Assist with controlled placement of bedding, surround and backfill materials.
• Safely park, isolate and secure the excavator at the end of each shift.

Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Proven experience operating 360- excavators on water, utilities, drainage or heavy civil engineering projects.
• Experience working on deep excavations and trenching.
• Good understanding of excavation safety and temporary works.
• Experience working around live underground services.
• Experience installing and removing trench boxes or other shoring systems.
• Experience lifting pipes, chambers and other materials using an excavator where appropriately qualified.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a site team.
• Strong understanding of site health & safety requirements.
• Good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions from Site Management and the appointed Slinger/Signaller.

Essential Qualifications

• Valid CPCS or NPORS 360- Excavator ticket for the appropriate machine size and configuration.
• Excavator lifting operations endorsement or recognised equivalent where lifting suspended loads is required.
• EUSR card

Additional Tickets - Desirable

• CPCS/NPORS Slinger/Signaller.
• Forward-Tipping Dumper.
• Ride-on Roller.
• Telehandler.
• Relevant quick-hitch or attachment familiarisation.

What''s on Offer

• Long-term work on a major Water Framework.
• Projects across the M4 Corridor.
• Ongoing opportunities for experienced operators.
• Competitive freelance/contract rates, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to work with an established civil engineering and water contractor.

Location: Across the M4 Corridor
Sector: Water / Utilities / Civil Engineering
Role: 360- Excavator / Machine Operator
Employment: Freelance / Contract
Start: ASAP / Immediate

If you are an experienced 360- Excavator Operator with water, utilities or heavy civils experience and are looking for your next opportunity, please apply here in the first instance.