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Assistant Excavator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Grand Junction, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521479 United ... Operates machinery to verify repair. * Assist managers on the development and maintenance of s for ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Pipe and Excavation Foreman will study project specifications with Pipe Superintendent to plan ... Operates machinery to verify repair. * Assist managers on the development and maintenance of s for ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Telluride, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521044 United Companies, is ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO

$23 - $28/hr

Must have 1 year full time experience operating an excavator. * Must have experience digging around ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

Deeply Digital

Excavation Support - Level 1

Durango, CO · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Perform manual labor and excavation outdoors in a variety of weather conditions using tools such as shovels, picks, and rock bars; * Assist with laying conduit for fiberoptic cable; * Work around ...

Deeply Digital

Excavation Support - Level 1

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Perform manual labor and excavation outdoors in a variety of weather conditions using tools such as shovels, picks, and rock bars; * Assist with laying conduit for fiberoptic cable; * Work around ...

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Assistant Excavator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do assistant excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant excavator in Colorado is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant excavator?

Assistant Excavators are workers who support the main excavator operators on construction or archaeological sites. Their duties often include preparing excavation areas, maintaining tools and equipment, assisting with digging, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They may also help with loading and unloading materials, clearing debris, and recording findings, especially on archaeological projects. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant excavator?

To thrive as an Assistant Excavator, you generally need a basic understanding of construction processes, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating small machinery, using hand tools, and following safety protocols is essential, and some roles may require OSHA safety certification. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out by ensuring safe and efficient site operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety standards and supporting project timelines in construction environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by an assistant excavator on construction sites?

Assistant Excavators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing time efficiently during tight project deadlines, and maintaining safety standards around heavy machinery. They must also adapt quickly to changing site layouts and coordinate closely with supervisors and other crew members to ensure smooth workflow. Developing strong communication and problem-solving skills can help overcome these challenges and contribute to successful project completion.

What is the difference between Assistant Excavator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectAssistant ExcavatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsBasic OSHA safety training, possibly a forklift or excavator certificationMore advanced certifications for specific machinery, e.g., heavy equipment operator license
Work EnvironmentAssist with excavation tasks, support senior operators, work on construction sitesOperate heavy machinery independently, perform excavation, grading, and site preparation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with equipment setup, perform manual tasks, support excavation activitiesDrive and control excavators or other heavy equipment, ensure safety and precision

While both roles work on construction sites, an Assistant Excavator primarily supports and assists with excavation tasks under supervision, whereas an Equipment Operator independently operates heavy machinery. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and certification requirements, with Equipment Operators handling more complex operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Assistant Excavator jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Assistant Excavator job openings:

Assistant Excavator jobs near you

Lead Excavator Operator

CRH

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Lead Excavator Operator
AMAT
Grand Junction, Colorado, United States
Job ID: 521479
United Companies, is a CRH Company. Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion the safety, empowerment, and development of our employees. We strive to be The Preferred Source of quality sand, rock, landscape products, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, paving and construction services. We succeed as a team by embracing integrity, mutual respect, innovation, service, sustainability, and financial strength.
Position Overview
This is a skilled position responsible for assisting supervision of the lay out, assembly and installation of various sizes and types of drain pipe. The Pipe and Excavation Foreman will study project specifications with Pipe Superintendent to plan sequencing and schedule for pipe installation.
Wage ranges from $22 to $25 an hour depending on experience.
Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)
  • Coordinates and supervises daily activities of 2 to 5 people.
  • Studies project specifications with project superintendent to plan procedures for pipe installation sequencing.
  • Operates assigned heavy equipment to excavate, install, and backfill large pipe and culvert.
  • Inspects work site to determine sequencing and method of pipe installation and survey for potential hazards or safety concerns.
  • Plans drain pipe installation to reduce inference with other project activities and traveling public.
  • Observes assigned equipment to detect machinery malfunctions. Operates machinery to verify repair.
  • Assist managers on the development and maintenance of job descriptions for all positions.
  • Inspects work to ensure that workmanship conforms to specifications and the adherence to construction schedules.
  • Uses instruments such as lasers, grade rods, eye levels, and transit levels to set appropriate grade for pipe installation.
  • Establish safe work environment that complies with OSHA standards and company safety program.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company environmental policies.
  • Other duties assigned.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Education/Experience
  • High School diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Must have at least 1 year experience as lead excavator operator on civil pipeline job
  • Experience in a building materials/construction industry preferred.

Work Requirements
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Must have a valid drivers license and clean driving record.
  • Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  • Willingness to work independently within a team environment and assist the team with other duties as required.
  • Must be willing to travel and work away from home when required (up to 50% of the time).

Knowledge/Skill Requirements
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced and complex environment.
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should be to work in constant exposure to the outside elements, in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to work in a safety sensitive construction setting, including exposure to moving machinery and heavy equipment.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.

Key Competencies
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to needs.
  • Teamwork - Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
  • Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
  • Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
  • Initiative - Asks for and offers help when needed; able to consistently work independently.
  • Innovation - Generates suggestions for improving work.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or listen.
  • The employee is frequently required to sit, climb, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, crawl, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms above their shoulders.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from 35 to 50 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designers, and reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What CRH Offers You
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness programs
  • A diverse and inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH
CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of large international organization.
If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!
United Companies, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.
CRH logo

About CRH

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CRH has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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