Excavation and site work work and crews

Site work is everything that gets the ground ready: clearing, stripping, mass grading, foundation digs, drainage, utility trenches and final grade. A good site crew can make or break a job's schedule, because every trade after them depends on where they left the dirt.

Also searched as: excavation contractor, equipment operator, site work crew, dozer operator, excavator operator, site foreman.

Who hires for this

Builders, GCs and developers post site packages. Homeowners and other trades post smaller digs like foundations, drainage fixes and utility trenches.

What they ask for

• Excavators, dozers and loaders sized for the site
• Trucking for import and export, or a hauler you work with
• Grading to plan, with GPS or laser if the job calls for it
• Soil erosion and sediment control experience
• Certificate of insurance and workers comp
• Competent person for any excavation over trench depth

How to land more of it

• List your machines and whether you have machine control. GCs price site work around it.
• Know your local soil conservation rules. Silt fence and stabilized entrances get inspected.
• Say whether you do the utilities on site too. A single sub for dirt and pipe is easier to manage.
• Show photos of finished grade. That is what the owner sees.

What equipment do I need to sub site work?

At least an excavator and a way to move dirt, whether that is a loader, dozer or trucks. Bigger site packages usually need a dozer with machine control and a roller. Rentals are fine for gaps as long as you price them in.

Who is responsible for the 811 call on a site?

The contractor doing the digging is typically responsible for having a valid ticket. On a GC's job, confirm whether they hold one that covers your work or whether you need your own. Private lines on site will need a private locate.

Do I need a permit for erosion control?

Many projects that disturb soil need a soil erosion and sediment control plan and permit, usually held by the owner or GC. As the site sub you will be the one installing and maintaining the measures, so read the plan before you bid.

How do I find site work subcontracts?

Browse the excavation listings on the TrackOver board or post a free crew profile with your equipment and area. Builders and GCs can post site packages free and see which crews are nearby.