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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/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:

New

Pessoa Construction Company

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Excavator Operator

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Position Overview We are seeking a skilled, safety-focused Wet Utility Main Excavator Operator to ... Maintain accurate trench bottoms, bedding support, and spoil placement; assist with trench box ...

Clark Construction Group

Excavator Operator

Lorton, VA

$22.75 - $30/hr

Perform excavation work around live utilities, including water, sewer, and storm lines * Assist ... Prior experience operating a variety of heavy equipment. * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Clark Construction Group, LLC

Excavator Operator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Perform excavation work around live utilities, including water, sewer, and storm lines * Assist ... Prior experience operating a variety of heavy equipment. * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

C&I Staffing

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Operate heavy equipment such as excavators for trenching. * Conduct routine inspections and ... environment. * Assist with site setup, material staging, and cleanup activities as needed to ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching ... Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times. * Assist the crew with ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching ... Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times. * Assist the crew with ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching ... Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times. * Assist the crew with ...

Network Connex

Equipment Operator - Trenching

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Operate trenchers, excavators, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for underground utility ... Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and inspectors. * Assist with hand digging ...

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Assistant Excavator Operator information

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$15

$29

$47

How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator operator in Washington is $29.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $32.40 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 Washington?

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

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

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

Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you

Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities
Location: Charles Town, WV
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 Charles Town, WV.
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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