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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Len the Plumber

Sewer Helper

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Working knowledge of the care and use of standard hand tools used in the construction and maintenance of water and sewer installations * Assist the plumber and excavation operator onsite and ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Rockville, MD

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 ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$31.09/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 ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Rockville, MD

$31.09/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 ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

The purpose of an Equipment Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the ... trucks, excavators, and crane trucks. * Candidates holding a valid CDL-A strongly preferred

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Assistant Excavator Operator information

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How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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

Equipment Operator - Trenching

Network Connex

Manassas, VA • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Network Connex has been serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to provide our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration.  

 In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a robust set of benefits from health, dental, vision, short & long-term disability and more. What sets us apart is you are eligible to participate in our benefits programs the first of the month following your start date. One of the shortest benefits eligibility waiting periods in the industry!

Our Vanguard 401(k) plan comes with a 5% company match, which you are immediately vested in, and you can start participating at the same time as all the other benefits! We have 10 (ten) paid company holidays, a generous PTO (Paid Time-Off) accrual schedule, and robust health & wellness programs that can help you earn discounts on your health premiums and more! We go beyond base compensation and give you total rewards!  

Position Summary:

The Equipment Operator - Trenching is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment to install underground utilities including fiber optic cable, conduit, and other telecom infrastructure. This role requires precision, safety awareness, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate trenchers, excavators, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for underground utility installation.
  • Perform pre-operational checks and routine maintenance on equipment.
  • Read and interpret utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings.
  • Safely expose existing utilities and avoid utility strikes.
  • Maintain accurate daily logs of work performed and equipment usage.
  • Follow all safety protocols including use of PPE and traffic control measures.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and inspectors.
  • Assist with hand digging, potholing, and other manual labor as needed.
  • Ensure trench depth, width, and alignment meet project specifications.
  • Restore job site to original or improved condition upon completion.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating trenching or excavation equipment in utility or telecom environments.
  • Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).
  • Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and safety standards.
  • Ability to read and understand utility locates and construction drawings.
  • Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
  • Exposure to noise, dust, and heavy machinery.

 

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.