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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Tractor Backhoe Operator

Fort Lupton, CO ยท On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Operator who will be ... Able to recognize changing ground conditions * Assist in restoring the excavation site back to ...

Equipment Operator

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$32 - $48/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... You will operate skid steers, mini-excavators, grout plants, pumps, silos, and other equipment. As ...

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... You will operate skid steers, mini-excavators, grout plants, pumps, silos, and other equipment. As ...

Equipment Operator

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$32 - $48/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... You will operate skid steers, mini-excavators, grout plants, pumps, silos, and other equipment. As ...

Equipment Operator III

Divide, CO ยท On-site

$32.64 - $34.28/hr

Manages projects also assist with administrative duties such as time keeping, work logs and ... Applicable safety practices and operating procedures for all county equipment (grader, excavator ...

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... You will operate skid steers, mini-excavators, grout plants, pumps, silos, and other equipment. As ...

Equipment Operator III

Divide, CO ยท On-site

$32.64 - $34.28/hr

Manages projects also assist with administrative duties such as time keeping, work logs and ... Applicable safety practices and operating procedures for all county equipment (grader, excavator ...

Equipment Operator

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$32 - $48/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... You will operate skid steers, mini-excavators, grout plants, pumps, silos, and other equipment. As ...

CDL Operator

Dacono, CO ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Operation of heavy equipment including excavators, track hoes, backhoes, front end loaders and ... Prepare pre-trip equipment prior to mobilizing to job site * Assist in securing work site ...

CDL Operator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Operation of heavy equipment including excavators, track hoes, backhoes, front end loaders and ... Prepare pre-trip equipment prior to mobilizing to job site * Assist in securing work site ...

CDL Operator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Operation of heavy equipment including excavators, track hoes, backhoes, front end loaders and ... Prepare pre-trip equipment prior to mobilizing to job site * Assist in securing work site ...

CDL Operator

Dacono, CO ยท On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Operation of heavy equipment including excavators, track hoes, backhoes, front end loaders and ... Prepare pre-trip equipment prior to mobilizing to job site * Assist in securing work site ...

Excavation Support - Level 1

Durango, CO ยท On-site

$18 - $26/hr

... * Assist with laying conduit for fiberoptic cable; * Work around heavy equipment (excavators, hydrovacs, boring machines, etc.) and perform duties to support the Heavy Equipment Operators; * Take ...

Heavy Equip Operator - Craig, CO

Craig, CO ยท On-site

$40.49 - $43.51/hr

Large Hydraulic Excavators (10 - 40 yd3 bucket) * Haultrucks (30 to 240-ton capacity) * Bulldozers ... To assist you in leveraging the health care benefits, we offer personal health advocates, tele ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of 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:

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.

Tractor Backhoe Operator

Nelson Pipeline

Fort Lupton, CO โ€ข On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Operator who will be responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks with excavated material, backfilling excavated area, and lifting and placing materials as required.
Responsibilities:
  • Inspect and maintain equipment on a daily basis to ensure safe and efficient use
  • Operates track and rubber tire loaders, and other related equipment
  • Oversees tractor backhoe operations including digging trenches, compaction and moisture content
  • Operates equipment in an efficient manner and follows instructions of on-site management
  • Identifies and reports any significant problems or needed repairs
  • Able to recognize changing ground conditions
  • Assist in restoring the excavation site back to original condition
  • Adheres to all safety rules
  • Maintaining the work areas in a clean, safe, and orderly manner on a continuous basis
  • Occasional labor work when machinery work is slow
  • Other job duties as assigned