Reference: M4360_1790781216Posted: September 30, 2026
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
- Forward-Tipping Dumper.
- Ride-on Roller.
- 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 CorridorSector: Water / Utilities / Civil EngineeringRole: 360° Excavator / Machine OperatorEmployment: Freelance / ContractStart: ASAP / Immediate
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