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Backhoe Operator Part Time Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Golf Course Maintenance - Part Time Seasonal

Silvis, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Backhoe operation * Miscellaneous hand tool operations * Required to wear personal protective clothing and/or use protective equipment to comply with established safety operating standards * Special ...

Backhoe Operator Part Time information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$55.2K

$85.3K

How much do backhoe operator part time jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator part time in Illinois is $55,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backhoe operator part time do?

A Backhoe Operator Part Time is responsible for operating a backhoe machine to excavate, move, and load earth or other materials on construction or maintenance sites, but on a part-time basis. Their duties may include digging trenches, backfilling holes, and assisting with site clean-up or grading. Part-time operators typically work fewer hours than full-time operators, which can provide flexibility, but still require strong attention to safety, equipment maintenance, and efficiency. Employers may hire part-time backhoe operators for seasonal work, specific projects, or to supplement a full-time crew.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backhoe operator part time, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator (Part Time), you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of excavation techniques, and typically a valid heavy equipment operator license or certification. Familiarity with operating backhoes, loaders, and safety systems, as well as understanding site plans or blueprints, is essential. Attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and precise operation on job sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time backhoe operators, and how can they be managed?

Part-time Backhoe Operators often face challenges such as adjusting to varying work schedules and quickly adapting to different job sites. Since assignments may be sporadic, maintaining consistent familiarity with equipment and site-specific safety protocols can be demanding. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay proactive about ongoing training, communicate clearly with supervisors about shift expectations, and regularly review safety standards. Building strong relationships with full-time team members can also aid in smoother transitions between projects.

What is the difference between Backhoe Operator Part Time vs Excavator Operator Part Time?

AspectBackhoe Operator Part TimeExcavator Operator Part Time
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes requires specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, landscaping, utility workPrimarily in construction, demolition, and excavation projects

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery in construction-related environments. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: backhoe operators handle backhoes, while excavator operators focus on excavators. Certifications and safety training are similar, and both roles are often part-time in the construction industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Backhoe Operator Part Time jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Backhoe Operator Part Time jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator Part Time job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,188 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

$88K - $146K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team!


Arbor/Landscape Supervisor

Full Annual Salary Range: $88,778.92 - $146,485.19

Starting Salary Range: $88,778.92 - $117,632.05

Full-Time; Exempt; Civil Service

Department: 

Public Works

Division: 

Operations

Job Summary:

The Arbor/Landscape Supervisor is responsible for supervising the work of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees; organizing work sites; obtaining materials for job sites, and maintaining inventories and equipment. The Supervisor will also assist with the planning and coordinating of snow removal and may participate in the supervision of Special Event related activities.

Essential Functions include (but are not limited to):

  • Receives work orders from the Deputy Public Works Director - Operations and/or generates work orders with the approval of the Deputy Public Works Director - Operations; maintains records of work performed.
  • Supervises full-time staff and seasonal workers; assigns, plans and checks work; trains as required; evaluates employee performance; recommends hires and discharges; recommends pay increases, promotions, and transfers; responsible for initiating disciplinary actions.
  • Sets daily and weekly work plans for the respective section employees; coordinates work with other supervisors in the Operations Division, the Deputy Public Works Director - Operations, and other divisions and departments.
  • Inspects future work areas and lays out actual work sites.
  • Calculates and tracks usage of equipment, materials, and labor along with associated cost for tasks, work orders, and projects completed utilizing asset and work management software and other departmental forms and technology.
  • Serves as emergency on call Supervisor during assigned weeks each year.
  • Responds to emergency call backs after normal working hours; assesses emergency situations; corrects or controls situations and contacts Deputy Public Works Director -Operations or Public Works Director if situation requires such.
  • Responds to and assists in the resolution of citizen concerns.
  • Prices and purchases materials for tasks, work orders, and projects; maintains inventories on materials purchased.
  • Assists in researching and establishing standards and specifications for materials; reports on findings and makes recommendations to the Deputy Public Works Director - Operations.
  • Reviews and documents all job-related injuries and accidents affecting assigned employees.
  • Provides oversight of contractual tree and landscape services to assure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met.

Landscape unit: Responsible for supervising and may participate in: 

  • Performance of landscape construction activities and day-to-day grounds maintenance.
  • Maintenance or removal of trees, shrubs, and other plant materials through the use of pruning shears, loppers, handsaw, chainsaw, hydraulic tools, or pesticide sprayer.
  • Operating end loader, skid steer loader, backhoe, and dump trucks for landscaping work
  • Performance of irrigation system diagnosis and maintenance.
  • Performance of proper weed control for landscape maintenance and weed abatement scheduling.
  • Mowing, trimming, and edging of designated high level maintenance areas.
  • Trimming and pruning of trees and shrubs using chainsaw, handsaw, hand pruners, pole pruners, or pole saw.
  • Diagnosing tree, shrub, and other plant problems, plans and performs appropriate control measures.
  • Performance of daily preventative maintenance of tools and small equipment (i.e..- string trimers, chainsaw, mowers, or pesticide sprayer) 

Arbor unit: Responsible for supervising and may participate in: 

  • Planting and transplanting trees, shrubs, and other plants.
  • Treats and/or removes dead or diseased trees, shrubs, and other plant materials through the use of handsaws, chainsaws, pesticide sprayer, stump grinder, and wood chipper.
  • Operates end loader, skid steer loader, backhoe, dump trucks, and various boom trucks for tree maintenance work as assigned.
  • Trims and prunes trees using an aerial lift truck or rope and saddle.
  • Sprays and fertilizes trees, shrubs, and other plants.
  • Diagnoses tree disorders and initiates the control measures.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience planning, coordinating, overseeing, and/or supervising the work of other employees in an arboriculture or closely related field.
  • Five (5) years of full-time, professional work experience in an arboriculture-related field where the related work performed was the primary occupation.
  • Must possess or obtain within six (6) months of employment a valid State of Illinois Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake endorsement and have a safe driving record.
  • Must possess ISA Certified Arborist designation.  
  • Must possess an Illinois Pesticide Applicators license or have the ability to obtain one within (12) months of hire.
  • Ability to lift 100 pounds and maneuver at least 200 pounds on a regular basis, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • College-level coursework in an arboriculture or related field.
  • Completion of relevant supervisory training coursework.
  • Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exterior (formerly CLT-E) or training/education with similar content and coursework is preferred.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.


Compensation and Benefits

The city of Urbana offers competitive compensation and benefits to our employees. The full salary range for this position is $88,778.92 - $146,485.19 per year; the starting annual range is $88,778.91 - $117,632.05. The City of Urbana provides its employees with a robust benefits package that includes the following options:

  • Health insurance through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, including a no-cost premium option for employees
  • Dental insurance options through Delta Dental
  • Vision, Voluntary Life, Short/Long-term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness insurance options
  • Flexible Spending Plan option
  • Paid holidays
  • Generous vacation and unlimited sick leave accruals

For more information about City benefits for this position, please visit: www.UrbanaCareers.org/management-benefits

To Apply:

Click the red "Apply" button on the upper-right hand side of this page. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however the date of first application review will occur after Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to this date for priority consideration.

Selection Process:

The application will serve as the Civil Service exam; applicants meeting or exceeding the passing score will be placed on an open competitive register to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur within approximately the next two years; this register may be extended or voided as needed by the Civil Service Commission. Questions may be directed to Tamra Lighty, Human Resources Coordinator, at Jobs@urbanaIL.gov or call (217) 384-6293. The City of Urbana provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities; if you need information, please contact the Human Resources Division at the number or e-mail above.   

What happens after I submit my application?

You will be contacted by e-mail regarding your status once a decision has been made in the selection process. Once you apply, almost all communication regarding the status of your application will be by email through the City's applicant management platform, so please add the domain "@applitrack.com" to your address book to prevent any emails from going to your Spam/Junk folder.

The Organization

The City of Urbana, founded in 1833 and the county seat of Champaign County, is a home-rule municipality situated in east central Illinois, approximately 135 miles south of Chicago and 45 miles west of the Indiana border. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the state's flagship university, is located in both Urbana and Urbana's twin city of Champaign. Urbana's population is estimated at 38,336 and 11.9 square miles are within the City boundaries. The City is led by Mayor DeShawn Williams and operates under the mayor-aldermanic form of government. On average, Urbana employs 260 full-time personnel. For more information about the City of Urbana, visit: UrbanaIL.gov.

About the Urbana Community

Award-winning dining. Cutting-edge technology. World-class education. Gigabit-speed fiber network. Urbana is a city where artists, thinkers, and innovators thrive. And we're just getting started!

Urbana boasts a history built on innovation. From the famed Morrow Plots, a National Historic Landmark, to the groundbreaking research conducted every day on the flagship campus of the University of Illinois, Urbana embraces creative thinking and diversity to drive innovation and advancement. We're connected to each other and the world thanks to an award-winning mass transit district, Amtrak rail, a regional airport, and three major interstates. Prefer to get around on two wheels? We are proud to be the first Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community in Illinois. Our West Urbana neighborhood has been named of the 10 Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association, and together with our twin city Champaign, we've been recognized as the Greatest Food Town in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine, as well as an AARP Age-Friendly Community. Led by Mayor DeShawn Williams, Urbana's progressive values include civic engagement, celebrating entrepreneurs and innovators, smart growth, and transparent governance. Award-winning schools, outstanding parks, a mosaic of diverse and engaged neighborhoods, a robust array of businesses located throughout the city, and reliable public services committed to the best possible quality of life for residents serve to make Urbana a great place for all to thrive.

The City of Urbana Welcomes Diversity!

We foster an environment that values and encourages mutual respect, inclusion of all people, and utilizing differences and similarities as an organizational asset. EOE.