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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Phillips, Inc.

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Knoxville, TN

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

The Hydrovac Truck Driver is responsible for operating hydrovac equipment to safely excavate soil ... Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of hydrovac equipment. * Assist with general site labor ...

Phillips, Inc.

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

The Hydrovac Truck Driver is responsible for operating hydrovac equipment to safely excavate soil ... Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of hydrovac equipment. * Assist with general site labor ...

Christmanco

Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

... to excavators, telescopic boom forklifts, and skid loaders. What You Will Do: As an Equipment ... May assist in lifting, positioning, and securing materials and work pieces during installation.

Loram

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

MasTec Inc

OHE Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform ... Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment. * Dig around all live ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsAssistant Excavator Operator JobsAssistant Excavator Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Assistant Excavator Operator information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator operator in Oak Ridge, TN is $25.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.36 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 Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Assistant Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Assistant Excavator Operator job openings:

Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Excavator Operator job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,016 per year, or $25 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Loudon, TN • On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Bio Plumbing
Location: Loudon, TN
Pay Range: $30–32 per Hour (DOE) + Overtime + Benefits

Build More Than Trenches—Build a Career.

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations and enjoy working alongside a hardworking crew, we'd love to meet you.

This is a hands-on position where you'll play a critical role in residential plumbing projects, ensuring excavation work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to homeowners' properties.

What You'll Do

  • Operate mini and full-size excavators for residential plumbing projects.
  • Working on a 2-3 man slab crew.
  • Reading blueprints.
  • Excavate for sewer line, water service, and drain installations and repairs.
  • Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around utility locates.
  • Backfill, grade, and restore job sites following excavation work.
  • Assist plumbers with underground piping, trench preparation, and other labor as needed.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Follow OSHA safety standards and company policies at all times.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of excavator operating experience
  • Residential plumbing or underground utilities background required.
  • Experience reading blueprints.
  • Experience digging around existing utilities and working from utility locates.
  • Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently in residential neighborhoods.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to assist the plumbing team when not operating equipment.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • CDL is a plus but not required.

Benefits

Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive Pay: $30–32 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Stable, year-round work
  • Modern, well-maintained equipment
  • Supportive, family-oriented work environment
  • Opportunities for advancement as our company continues to grow

Join Our Team

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values safety, and enjoys being part of a team that delivers quality service to homeowners every day. If you're dependable, experienced, and ready for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build the infrastructure that keeps our community running!