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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Teller County

Equipment Operator II

Divide, CO · On-site

$27.17 - $28.53/hr

Applicable safety practices and operating procedures for all county equipment (grader, excavator, backhoe, loader, snowplow, tandem dump truck, belly dump and tractor trailer) and hand tools ...

SiteWise

Operator I Pipeline

Henderson, CO · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Operator I Pipeline Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ...

HEI Civil - Colorado

Scraper Operator

Denver, CO

$28/hr

Operate various equipment such as backhoe, loader, scraper, excavator, water truck, mechanized ... When not operating heavy equipment, must perform all other Laborer and duties Knowledge, Skills ...

HEI Civil - Colorado

Scraper Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$28/hr

Operate various equipment such as backhoe, loader, scraper, excavator, water truck, mechanized ... When not operating heavy equipment, must perform all other Laborer and duties Knowledge, Skills ...

SiteWise

Heavy Equipment Operator I-AMRP

Henderson, CO · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Operator I Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Pay Rate ... Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ...

SiteWise

Heavy Equipment Operator I-AMRP

Henderson, CO

$24 - $29/hr

Operator I Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Pay Rate ... Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ...

SiteWise

CDL Operator II - Utility Services

Henderson, CO · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Position Title: Operator II (Mini Excavator) Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on ... Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ...

New

SiteWise

CDL Operator II - Utility Services

Henderson, CO · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Position Title: Operator II (Mini Excavator) Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on ... Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ...

New

Montezuma County Road & Bridge

OPERATOR/DRIVER

Cortez, CO · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... Operator/Truck Driver. Applications and a complete are available at 1700 N. Dolores Road, Cortez ... blades, backhoe, excavator, loaders, end dumps, water trucks and other equipment as required.

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All JobsBackhoe Operator JobsBackhoe Operator Jobs in Colorado

Backhoe Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$34.7K

$59.9K

$92.5K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Colorado is $59,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $64,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the going rate for backhoe work per hour?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Rates may be higher for specialized skills or union positions, and some operators charge daily or project-based rates instead of hourly. Certification and familiarity with specific equipment can also influence pay rates.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

What does a Backhoe Operator do?

A Backhoe Operator is responsible for operating a backhoe, which is a type of heavy construction equipment used for digging, excavating, and moving earth or other materials. Their duties typically include loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, backfilling excavations, and maintaining the equipment. Backhoe Operators often work on construction sites, roadworks, utility installation, and landscaping projects. They must follow safety protocols and be able to read site plans or instructions to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backhoe Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with construction site safety protocols and proficiency in using hydraulic backhoes and related machinery are essential. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team help operators stand out. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges a Backhoe Operator might face on a job site, and how can they be managed?

Backhoe Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and operating in adverse weather. Safety is also a significant concern, as operators must remain vigilant to avoid underground utilities and protect nearby workers. These challenges can be managed by maintaining open communication with the site supervisor, participating in regular safety briefings, and staying up-to-date with equipment maintenance and best operating practices. Being adaptable and proactive helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

Do I need a license to operate a backhoe?

Backhoe operators typically need to obtain a state-issued commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specific operator certification, depending on local regulations. Employers may also require training and certification in equipment operation and safety standards before hiring. Licensing requirements vary by location and the type of work performed.

What is the difference between Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBackhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, mining, heavy-duty excavation
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, utility firms, landscapingConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects

Both Backhoe Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and excavation environments, often using similar safety training and certifications. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: Backhoe Operators handle backhoes primarily for digging and loading, while Excavator Operators operate larger excavators for heavy-duty digging and demolition tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What Is a Backhoe Operator?

A backhoe operator, sometimes known as a heavy equipment operator, runs a backhoe—an excavation machine with a large digger bucket attached by a hinged arm. Their responsibilities include the moving or removing of soil and other materials on a construction site. They may also make light repairs on the equipment.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large machinery like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or construction. Experienced operators with certifications, advanced skills, and working in remote or high-risk environments tend to earn the highest salaries, which can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on location and experience.
More about Backhoe Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado? For Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in CO? For Backhoe Operator jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,886 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Equipment Operator II

Teller County

Divide, CO • On-site

$27.17 - $28.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Teller County's Public Works department is seeking a full-time Equipment Operator II to perform skilled work in the operations of a wide variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment used in the maintenance and construction of County roads. Work includes manual tasks associated with equipment operations, road maintenance, construction and wastewater treatment infrastructure maintenance. Work includes reconstruction/rehabilitation, surface maintenance, drainage and right-of-way maintenance. Performs operator required maintenance on all equipment used. May serve as a lead worker over lower-level maintenance workers or seasonal staff.
What You'll Do:
  • Skillfully, proficiently, safely and efficiently operates various light and heavy equipment involved in construction and maintenance projects, such as motor graders, loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, tractor trailer units, snowplows, rollers, vac-trucks, brooms, mowers, water trucks, crack fillers, mechanized pothole patchers and other miscellaneous equipment needed for the repair and maintenance of County roads and wastewater facilities.
  • Operates with a limited knowledge of asphalt laydown machines, asphalt distributors, etc.
  • Grades gravel roads using a motor grader.
  • Repairs, maintains, and installs drainage structures.
  • Installs and maintains regulatory, warning, and traffic information signs per the MUTCD.
  • Controls traffic at work sites per the methods as prescribed by the MUTCD by signing and/or by flagging to guide traffic through the work areas, as required or assigned.
  • Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew.
  • Plows and sands County roads, thaws culverts, and takes necessary action to secure the safety of the motoring public in the winter.
  • Mows vegetation, cuts and chips trees as needed to increase visibility and safety on County roads.
  • Welds and fabricates as needed to complete tasks assigned.
  • Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel, and sand.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or maintenance issues requiring repair to supervisor or shop foreman; cleans all equipment.
  • Assists in the training of lower-level employees to increase their skills in the maintenance, construction, and repair of County roads and bridges.
  • Responds to emergency call outs.
  • Performs other job-related duties and tasks assigned.

Requirements
What You'll Bring:
Experience/Education :
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Proven intermediate to skilled work experience as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.
  • Must be able to pass the Teller County Equipment Operator II skills test on all county core equipment: motor grader, backhoe, loader and trucks.

You Also Have:
Knowledge of:
  • Policies, practices, procedures and methods of assigned function.
  • Colorado Motor Vehicle Code and other codes, laws and statutes relating to the position.
  • Applicable safety practices and operating procedures for all county equipment (grader, excavator, backhoe, loader, snowplow, tandem dump truck, belly dump and tractor trailer) and hand tools. (chainsaw, demo saw and laser level).
  • Proper calibration and utilization of road maintenance equipment/machines.
  • Departmental record-keeping procedures.
  • Proper implementation and maintenance of Traffic Control plan as outlined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
  • County and Department's Employee Policy and Procedures rules and regulations.
  • Industry standards associated with recording activity and report preparation.

Skilled in:
  • Operating all county equipment at an intermediate to advanced level in a safe manner.
  • Coordinating assigned work activities independently.
  • Estimating time, labor, and quantities of materials needed.
  • Properly calibrating and utilizing road maintenance equipment/machines.
  • Handling routine tasks independently with little to no supervision.
  • Working with others, including working as a team member.
  • Troubleshooting situations and identifying and implementing appropriate solutions at an intermediate to advanced level.
  • Diagnosing equipment problems and making field repairs and adjustments.
  • Verbal and written communication, including conveying and following instructions and providing information to the public.

Ability to:
  • Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment, assorted light equipment and trucks.
  • Provide day-to-day maintenance of equipment.
  • Convey effective communication verbally and in writing.
  • Reason and make sound judgments.
  • Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies/organizations, and the public.
  • Work independently and efficiently.
  • Manage time effectively, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
  • Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance

Additional Details About the Role:
  • Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 80 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination, and manual dexterity. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, and client/customer contact. Subject to extreme temperatures, outside elements, noise, vibration, contact with dust, fumes and hazardous chemicals, foul odors, animal and human fecal matter, insects, and rodents. Requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment as required by job circumstances.
  • Involuntary overtime and/or compensation time (comp time) in addition to the normal 40 hours per week may be required. May work weekends, holidays, and 24/7 standby. As members of the County Emergency Response System, all County employees are designated as Disaster Service During a proclaimed emergency, workers may be required to train on emergency response and perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.
  • Teller County employees play an essential role in business continuity. As such, employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of typical job functions.

License, Certification, or Requirements:
  • Possession of a valid Colorado Class A CDL with no restrictions.
  • Tanker endorsement, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. Preferred: Possession of tanker endorsement at time of hire
  • Work Zone Flagger Certificate, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • FEMA Certificate ICS-100, ICS-200 and ICS-700, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Willingness to take and successfully complete a First Aid class, CPR class, and other specialized or safety training that may be offered by the Public Works Department or other training facility.
  • Willingness to take additional training such as Road Scholar classes, etc. to improve job skills.

Compensation and Benefits:
New salary range as of 1/1/2026 : $27.17 - $ 28.53
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly
When it comes to benefits, Teller County is committed to offering a comprehensive, affordable benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families.
• Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from -the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose
• HSA plan - the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents
• Telehealth/Teledoc options - access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling
• Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage
• Basic and voluntary life coverage
• 401a retirement plan - employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.
• 457b deferred comp plans - both pre- and post-tax options available
• Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance
Click here to review our full benefits package
Position closes: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Salary Description
$27.17 - $ 28.53 / hour

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