Role Purpose

The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of excavators on client sites and company projects. The role supports equipment rental and transport operations by ensuring machinery is operated in accordance with safety standards, project requirements, and company policies, while minimizing downtime, damage, and operational risk.

Duties and Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate excavators safely and efficiently for excavation, loading, trenching, and earthworks activities
• Ensure correct operation in line with manufacturer guidelines and site requirements
• Achieve assigned daily production targets

Performance Focus:

• Zero unsafe operating incidents
• Consistent achievement of assigned production targets

Equipment Care & Basic Maintenance

• Conduct daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections
• Identify, report, and assist in resolving mechanical or operational issues
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and basic servicing

Performance Focus:

• 100% completion of daily inspection checklists
• Early fault reporting to minimize breakdowns

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, site rules, and Kenyan occupational health and safety regulations
• Use required PPE at all times
• Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks, and incident reporting

Performance Focus:

• Zero major accidents or safety violations
• Full compliance with site and company safety standards

Site & Operational Coordination

• Work closely with site supervisors, logistics teams, and transport staff
• Support equipment mobilization and demobilization activities
• Follow instructions regarding work schedules, routes, and site access

Performance Focus:

• On-time start and completion of assigned tasks
• Positive feedback from site supervisors and clients

Customer & Company Representation

• Conduct oneself professionally while on client sites
• Protect company assets and reputation
• Communicate operational issues promptly and clearly

Performance Focus:

• High client satisfaction and professional conduct

Requirements

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies

Education & Certification

• Valid Excavator Operator Certification (NTSA-approved or equivalent)
• Basic education with literacy and numeracy skills

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience operating excavators on construction or infrastructure projects in Kenya
• Experience working with rental equipment is an advantage

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of excavator operation and controls
• Ability to identify basic mechanical issues
• Understanding of site safety requirements and hazard awareness

Core Competencies

• Strong safety mindset and attention to detail
• Reliability, discipline, and time management
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions
• Teamwork and clear communication skills

Language

• Basic to fluent English and Swahili
• Additional local languages are an advantage

Working Conditions & Remuneration

Work Environment: Field-based on construction and project sites

Work Schedule: Based on project requirements, may include extended hours

Travel: Frequent travel to project sites

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Zero safety incidents or equipment misuse
• Equipment downtime due to operator error ≤1%
• Daily inspection compliance rate 100%
• On-time task completion ≥95%
• Client/site supervisor satisfaction rating ≥4/5

• Operate excavators safely and efficiently for excavation, loading, trenching, and earthworks activities
• Ensure correct operation in line with manufacturer guidelines and site requirements
• Achieve assigned daily production targets
• Conduct daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections
• Identify, report, and assist in resolving mechanical or operational issues
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and basic servicing
• Follow all company safety policies, site rules, and Kenyan occupational health and safety regulations
• Use required PPE at all times
• Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks, and incident reporting
• Work closely with site supervisors, logistics teams, and transport staff
• Support equipment mobilization and demobilization activities
• Follow instructions regarding work schedules, routes, and site access
• Conduct oneself professionally while on client sites
• Protect company assets and reputation
• Communicate operational issues promptly and clearly

• Strong understanding of excavator operation and controls
• Ability to identify basic mechanical issues
• Understanding of site safety requirements and hazard awareness
• Strong safety mindset and attention to detail
• Reliability, discipline, and time management
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions
• Teamwork and clear communication skills

• Valid Excavator Operator Certification (NTSA-approved or equivalent)
• Basic education with literacy and numeracy skills
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience operating excavators on construction or infrastructure projects in Kenya
• Experience working with rental equipment is an advantage