Field Test Operator – Excavator

Blue River Technology

. Operate a John Deere excavator through planned digging, swinging, dumping, loading, trenching, and grading tasks .

Posted 10/22/2026contractRemote • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $46 - $68 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in operating John Deere excavators with a strong focus on safety, mechanical aptitude, and effective communication. Capable of performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and mentoring while ensuring adherence to operational procedures.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Excavator OperationTrenching ExperienceMechanical AptitudeClear Communication SkillsSafety Record

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Excavator OperationTrenchingGradingBulk ExcavationSlope WorkPreventive MaintenanceBasic Machine TroubleshootingData LoggingIncident ReportingHydraulics Understanding

Soft Skills

Clear Verbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

TabletLaptopCamerasSensors

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Job Site ExperienceSafety JudgmentOutdoor WorkMachine LimitsUtilities and Obstacles

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate a John Deere excavator through planned digging, swinging, dumping, loading, trenching, and grading tasks
Repeat tasks smoothly and consistently to produce clean, reliable test data
Explain observations, planned actions, and operating choices to engineering teams
Follow session procedures, including run naming, data logging, stop criteria, and incident reporting
Write notes after each test session describing results, changes, and recommendations
Perform daily walkarounds, preventive maintenance, and basic machine troubleshooting
Check that cameras and sensors are clean and recording before each session
Help engineers identify whether issues arise from the machine, site conditions, plan, sensors, or test setup
Serve as an in-cab safety operator during early technology testing as needed
Help prepare test sites and move machines
Mentor new operators and provide feedback on controls, attachments, and tooling

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of hands-on production experience operating excavators on real job sites
Experience with trenching, bulk excavation, benching, grading, slope work, spoil placement, and working around utilities and obstacles in different soils
Strong safety record and mature jobsite judgment
Mechanical aptitude, including understanding of hydraulics and machine limits
Comfort working around sensors, cameras, wiring, and computers mounted on the machine
Comfortable using a tablet or laptop for checklists, digital work instructions, and simple data entry
Clear verbal and written communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to work outdoors and adjust schedule when testing requires it
Willingness to complete a hands-on operating evaluation and provide safety-record references
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Possibility of extending or transitioning to full time after the 12-month contract
Employer support for earning additional certifications, such as an FAA Part 107 drone license
Tools, equipment, and PPE provided by the employer
Reimbursement for all job-required travel-related expenses
OSHA-10 training provided after hire if needed