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Assistant Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Venus Construction Company

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Excavator Operator

Mansfield, TX · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to support underground ... · Assist with other tasks as directed by the Foreman or Supervisor. · Maintain a clean and ...

Yates Construction

Excavator Operator

Byhalia, MS · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Byhalia, MS Summary: The Excavator Operator maneuvers heavy, 360 ... Work around existing utilities with precision and assist in installing pipes and water lines.

The Walsh Group

Main Line Excavator Operator

Gilbert, AZ

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Main Line Excavator Operator Archer Western Construction, LLC., a member of The Walsh Group is ... assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Must be proficient working around utility ...

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

Wildcat Companies

Excavator Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

... safe operating practices * Perform precise excavation work around utilities, structures, and ... * Assist with other construction and labor duties as needed * Follow company policies, OSHA ...

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

Emerysapp

Experienced Excavator Operator

Scottsdale, AZ

$22.75 - $30/hr

EXPERIENCED EXCAVATOR OPERATOR Rummel Construction is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to ... Ability to operate or assist with off-road haul trucks and grading work * Willingness to travel ...

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Athens, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Oklahoma City, OK

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Marshall, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

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How much do assistant excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

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 some 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 are Assistant Excavator Operators?

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 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.

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Assistant Excavator Operator jobs near you
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Bituminous Roadways, Inc.

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$46.25 - $47.24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Department: Field Operations
Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN)
Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal
Pay Type / Range:
Journeyman Union Scale. $46.25-47.24 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment)
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.)
Union Benefits & Additional Information:
  • Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)
    • Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.
  • PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work.
  • Referral bonuses - earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
  • Annual boot allowance.

Job Summary: The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities. This role includes making routine operating adjustments, changing attachments such as extensions or buckets as needed, and performing related tasks to support project requirements. The operator is expected to work effectively within a team environment, maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward coworkers, supervisors, inspectors, and the public, and assist crew members as needed to ensure safe and productive operations. Additional duties may be assigned to support overall project success.
Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test. References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.
Job Duties & Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities.
  • Handle excavation around existing utilities with care and precision.
  • Load and unload materials as needed (e.g., bedding stone, spoil, pipe).
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
  • Safely maneuver equipment in tight work zones and around other crew members.
  • Monitor trench conditions and help maintain OSHA-compliant trench safety (e.g., benching, sloping, or shoring).
  • Use grade stakes, laser levels, and hand signals to coordinate with laborers and crew members.
  • Backfill and compact trenches using appropriate materials and methods.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
  • Report equipment issues, hazards, or near-miss incidents promptly.
  • Display a professional and respectful attitude towards co-workers, supervisors, inspectors, and the general public at all times.
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors.
  • Follow company and industry safety standards and procedures at all times.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating an excavator.
  • Ability to read utility site plans, grade stakes, and follow laser/grade control.
  • Familiarity with safe digging practices, including locating existing utilities (One Call/811 knowledge).
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
  • CDL Class A or B license is a plus.
  • Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
  • High school education or GED equivalent.
  • Strong team player
  • Reliable and on-time.

Live up to our company Core Values:
  • Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture.
  • Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future. Quality leads to consistency. Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business.
  • Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace.
  • Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation. Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
  • Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee's share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality. Commitment shows and can be contagious.

Company Information:
For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service.
At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work. Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service.
More reasons to join BR:
  • Family owned and operated
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within
  • No out of town jobs / home every night
  • Family Oriented - Annual events

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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