We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Power Equipment Operator (Dirt Crew)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Feb 13, 2026

Requisition Id15956

Overview:

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory has an opening for a Power Equipment Operator - Dirt Crewr. In this role you will, under limited supervision, operate a variety of equipment used for excavation and hoisting and rigging activities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Operate load handling equipment for loading, hauling and unloading various equipment, materials and supplies throughout ORNL in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Operate construction, excavation and power equipment such as high lifts, excavators, dozers, bob-cats, back hoes, etc.
  • Comprehend crane load charts and determine proper set-up for mobile cranes.
  • Receive and understand proper hand signals or voice signals as directed by qualified signal person.
  • Work with crews in excavations and trenches, hoisting material, tools and equipment.
  • Set, assemble, and install trench boxes and trench shielding systems, including safely rigging and operating heavy equipment to lift, place, adjust, and remove trench boxes from excavations.
  • Knowledge of OSHA excavation and trenching standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), including protective systems, soil classification, access/egress, and hazard recognition; understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Excavation Competent Person.
  • Complete other tasks and temporary assignments as directed by management
  • Abiding by the principles of Safe Conduct of Research including being personally responsible for ensuring safe operations by raising safety concerns, using a questioning attitude, considering hazards for every task, and never stop learning.
  • Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic (or Required) Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • The completion of a four-year apprenticeship program with a minimum of5 years of journeyman experience or 10 years documented experience in the construction and excavation industry.
  • Valid Tennessee driver's license upgradeable to a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An understanding of general industry standards such as OSHA, ASME, and ANSI.
  • Experience performing utility excavation work, including digging for underground utilities, installing and aligning pipe, backfilling, and related site restoration activities.

Special Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements: Work will involve various physical requirements and certain working conditions and as such a post offer, pre-hire physical will berequired.
  • L clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

Applied = 0

(web-54bd5f4dd9-cz9jf)