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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew ... Dig around existing utilities with precision and care * Assist with grading and backfilling ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

The Grasso Companies

Excavator Operator

Stamford, CT · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

The Excavator Operator will work closely with the construction team to ensure projects are ... Load and unload materials, manage soil and rock piles, and assist with material handling as ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Excavator Operator Archer Western Construction, LLC., a member of The Walsh Group is currently ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

CWR Contracting, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Daytona Beach, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. (CWR) is a growing road construction company. We ... Perform light mechanical adjustments and/or assist mechanic in performing repairs * Take action to ...

Davis Wetzel Group

Excavator Operator

Odonnell, TX · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Location : DWG Quarry Job Summary : We are seeking a skilled and safety ... * Assist with other quarry processes as needed, such as blasting or material processing.

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct ... to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling. * Daily Maintenance & Logs:

Openwork

Excavator Operator

Galena Park, TX · On-site

$17/hr

Excavator Operator Meador an Openwork Company is currently engaged in a search to find a dedicated ... Willing to cross-train in other positions and assist other employees as needed. * Other duties as ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Dig around existing utilities with precision and care * Assist with grading and backfilling ... Proven experience as an excavator operator in underground utility and earthwork environments

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Dig around existing utilities with precision and care * Assist with grading and backfilling ... Proven experience as an excavator operator in underground utility and earthwork environments

Davis Wetzel Group

Excavator Operator

Odonnell, TX · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Location : DWG Quarry Job Summary : We are seeking a skilled and safety ... * Assist with other quarry processes as needed, such as blasting or material processing.

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Assistant Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant excavator operator?

Assistant Excavator Operators support lead excavator operators by helping to operate heavy machinery used for digging, lifting, and moving earth or other materials on construction sites. Their duties often include preparing and maintaining equipment, assisting with basic machine operation under supervision, ensuring site safety, and performing routine maintenance checks. They play a crucial role in keeping projects on schedule and maintaining a safe work environment while gaining valuable experience for advancement to more skilled operator roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant excavator operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Excavator Operator, you need a solid understanding of excavation procedures, safety regulations, basic equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery controls, safety systems, and sometimes OSHA or equipment operation certifications are often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help ensure smooth coordination on construction sites. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity during excavation projects.

What are common challenges faced by assistant excavator operators on construction sites?

Assistant Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, navigating around other heavy machinery, and maintaining communication with the lead operator and site supervisors. Adapting to varying soil conditions, weather changes, and strict safety protocols can also be demanding. However, these challenges present valuable learning opportunities and help operators build essential problem-solving and teamwork skills that support career growth in heavy equipment operation.

What is the difference between Assistant Excavator Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectAssistant Excavator OperatorExcavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic equipment operationOSHA safety training, specialized equipment certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, assisting with excavation tasksConstruction sites, operating heavy machinery independently
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment setup, basic operation, site prepDriving, maneuvering, and maintaining excavators for excavation projects

The main difference between an Assistant Excavator Operator and an Excavator Operator lies in their level of responsibility and independence. The assistant typically supports the main operator with basic tasks and requires less specialized certification, while the excavator operator handles the machinery independently, often with more advanced certifications and experience.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Excavator Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Excavator Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs include:

Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Loudon, TN • On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Bio Plumbing
Location: Loudon, TN
Pay Range: $30–32 per Hour (DOE) + Overtime + Benefits

Build More Than Trenches—Build a Career.

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations and enjoy working alongside a hardworking crew, we'd love to meet you.

This is a hands-on position where you'll play a critical role in residential plumbing projects, ensuring excavation work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to homeowners' properties.

What You'll Do

  • Operate mini and full-size excavators for residential plumbing projects.
  • Working on a 2-3 man slab crew.
  • Reading blueprints.
  • Excavate for sewer line, water service, and drain installations and repairs.
  • Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around utility locates.
  • Backfill, grade, and restore job sites following excavation work.
  • Assist plumbers with underground piping, trench preparation, and other labor as needed.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Follow OSHA safety standards and company policies at all times.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of excavator operating experience
  • Residential plumbing or underground utilities background required.
  • Experience reading blueprints.
  • Experience digging around existing utilities and working from utility locates.
  • Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently in residential neighborhoods.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to assist the plumbing team when not operating equipment.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • CDL is a plus but not required.

Benefits

Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive Pay: $30–32 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Stable, year-round work
  • Modern, well-maintained equipment
  • Supportive, family-oriented work environment
  • Opportunities for advancement as our company continues to grow

Join Our Team

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values safety, and enjoys being part of a team that delivers quality service to homeowners every day. If you're dependable, experienced, and ready for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build the infrastructure that keeps our community running!