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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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:

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA

$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:

New

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:

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive ... Sort and segregate materials for recycling and disposal. * Assist with site preparation, grading ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Sort and segregate materials for recycling and disposal. * Assist with site preparation, grading ...

Hampton Roads Connector Partners

Excavator Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Drainage Excavator Operator Reports to (Title): Hiring Manager  Department: Craft Date: 08/21 ... Excavate to precise grades and slopes in accordance with project specifications. * Assist with ...

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Sort and segregate materials for recycling and disposal. * Assist with site preparation, grading ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition SummaryThe Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Assist with site preparation, grading, excavation, and backfilling activities.Conduct daily ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Saluda, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Sort and segregate materials for recycling and disposal. * Assist with site preparation, grading ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsAssistant Excavator Operator JobsAssistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia

Assistant Excavator Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator operator in Virginia is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.37 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 are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Excavator Operator job openings:

Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you

Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group

Front Royal, VA • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Fleet: CAT 320 – CAT 336 Excavators

Reports To: Team Lead

About the Role

Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator looking for a permanent, direct-hire opportunity with steady work and modern iron? We are hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to join our site utility team.

In this role, you'll be a vital part of our underground utility crew, operating heavy production excavators ( CAT 320 to CAT 336 ) to dig trenches, place pipe, and manage material on site. You will work directly under the guidance of our Team Lead to execute precise, safe, and efficient utility installations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Precision Excavation: Dig trenches to exact grade and depth for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm, etc.) in dynamic soil conditions.
  • Trench & Pipe Operations: Lift, move, and position heavy pipe, trench boxes, and utility structures directly into the trench with precision and care.
  • Controlled Backfill: Place and compact backfill material in controlled lifts to ensure proper structural integrity and meet compaction specifications.
  • Cross-Equipment Operation: Occasionally step into auxiliary machines, such as CAT 930 rubber-tired loaders or CAT 963 track loaders , to assist with site prep, material management, and stock piling.
  • Daily Maintenance & Logs: Perform standard pre-shift/post-shift inspections and accurately complete daily equipment logs.
  • Jobsite Safety: Maintain a strict safety-first mindset around open excavations, existing utility lines, and ground personnel.

Candidate Requirements

  • Experience: 2 years of heavy excavator operation required ( 3 to 5+ years preferred ).
  • Certifications: Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification required.
  • Underground Utility Focus: Direct experience working around underground utilities is required; pipelaying experience is highly preferred.
  • Fleet Familiarity: Demonstrated competency operating CAT 320 to 336 class excavators (or equivalent mid-to-heavy machines).
  • Versatility: Willingness to operate support machinery (CAT 930 loader / CAT 963 track loader) when needed.
  • Reliability & Teamwork: Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and ability to collaborate effectively with field team members and the Team Lead.

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