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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Grand Junction, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521479 United ... Operates machinery to verify repair. * Assist managers on the development and maintenance of s for ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Operates machinery to verify repair. * Assist managers on the development and maintenance of s for ... Must have at least 1 year experience as lead excavator operator on civil pipeline job * Experience ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Telluride, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521044 United Companies, is ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO

$23 - $28/hr

Must have 1 year full time experience operating an excavator. * Must have experience digging around ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

Apex Underground

Mainline Operator

Arvada, CO · On-site

$25 - $43/hr

Safely operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, skid steers, and loaders to ... Load and unload materials such as gravel, sand, and debris using various heavy machinery. Assist ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Centennial, CO

$20 - $30/hr

Operator Who We Are Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few ... of the Excavator * Ability to step out of equipment and assist with groundwork if necessary

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Centennial, CO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Operator Who We Are Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few ... of the Excavator * Ability to step out of equipment and assist with groundwork if necessary

Gould Construction

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience operating various types of heavy machinery, a strong ... * Assist in site preparation, including grading, excavation, and leveling for construction projects.

Maximum Services Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

$28 - $45/hr

Maximum Services, Inc., a leading excavation and civil construction company based in Kremmling, CO ... Work independently and collaboratively with crew members and supervisors. * Assist with manual ...

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Assistant Excavator Operator information

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado? For Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Assistant Excavator Operator job openings:
Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Excavator Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Lead Excavator Operator

CRH

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Lead Excavator Operator
AMAT
Grand Junction, Colorado, United States
Job ID: 521479
United Companies, is a CRH Company. Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion the safety, empowerment, and development of our employees. We strive to be The Preferred Source of quality sand, rock, landscape products, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, paving and construction services. We succeed as a team by embracing integrity, mutual respect, innovation, service, sustainability, and financial strength.
Position Overview
This is a skilled position responsible for assisting supervision of the lay out, assembly and installation of various sizes and types of drain pipe. The Pipe and Excavation Foreman will study project specifications with Pipe Superintendent to plan sequencing and schedule for pipe installation.
Wage ranges from $22 to $25 an hour depending on experience.
Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)
  • Coordinates and supervises daily activities of 2 to 5 people.
  • Studies project specifications with project superintendent to plan procedures for pipe installation sequencing.
  • Operates assigned heavy equipment to excavate, install, and backfill large pipe and culvert.
  • Inspects work site to determine sequencing and method of pipe installation and survey for potential hazards or safety concerns.
  • Plans drain pipe installation to reduce inference with other project activities and traveling public.
  • Observes assigned equipment to detect machinery malfunctions. Operates machinery to verify repair.
  • Assist managers on the development and maintenance of job descriptions for all positions.
  • Inspects work to ensure that workmanship conforms to specifications and the adherence to construction schedules.
  • Uses instruments such as lasers, grade rods, eye levels, and transit levels to set appropriate grade for pipe installation.
  • Establish safe work environment that complies with OSHA standards and company safety program.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company environmental policies.
  • Other duties assigned.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Education/Experience
  • High School diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Must have at least 1 year experience as lead excavator operator on civil pipeline job
  • Experience in a building materials/construction industry preferred.

Work Requirements
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Must have a valid drivers license and clean driving record.
  • Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  • Willingness to work independently within a team environment and assist the team with other duties as required.
  • Must be willing to travel and work away from home when required (up to 50% of the time).

Knowledge/Skill Requirements
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced and complex environment.
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should be to work in constant exposure to the outside elements, in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to work in a safety sensitive construction setting, including exposure to moving machinery and heavy equipment.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.

Key Competencies
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to needs.
  • Teamwork - Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
  • Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
  • Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
  • Initiative - Asks for and offers help when needed; able to consistently work independently.
  • Innovation - Generates suggestions for improving work.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or listen.
  • The employee is frequently required to sit, climb, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, crawl, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms above their shoulders.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from 35 to 50 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designers, and reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What CRH Offers You
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness programs
  • A diverse and inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH
CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of large international organization.
If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!
United Companies, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.

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