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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Critical Environments Operator IV

Sterling, VA · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

CyrusOne is a global enterprise data center collocation provider, dedicated to increasing the availability and efficiency of our customers' mission-critical business applications and safeguarding ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $37/hr

Equipment Operators work with specialized light construction equipment. They must be able to do ... Safely and skillfully operate an all-terrain forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, lifts and ...

Equipment Operators work with specialized light construction equipment. They must be able to do ... Safely and skillfully operate an all-terrain forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, lifts and ...

Equipment Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... Equipment Operators to perform a combination of skilled equipment operations, preventive ... Equipment Operations includes but is not limited to; backhoe, dump truck, loader, motor-grader ...

$20.72 - $25.87/hr

Summary Responsible for operating equipment in removing asphalt/concrete pavement, excavating earth ... Operate and train staff on construction equipment such as backhoe loaders, industrial box blade ...

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Showing results 1-20

Backhoe Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$56.5K

$87.2K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Virginia is $56,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

How much do backhoe operators make?

Backhoe operators in Florida typically earn an average hourly wage of around $18 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $37,000 to $52,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects they work on.

How much money can I make with a backhoe operator?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with median annual salaries around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with additional training or specialized equipment knowledge can earn higher wages, especially in construction or heavy civil projects.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe operators are in demand in the construction, landscaping, and infrastructure industries due to ongoing projects and infrastructure development. Employment opportunities often require operating skills, certifications, and familiarity with heavy machinery, and demand can vary by region and economic conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in VA?

For Backhoe Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,463 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

$33.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


American Water rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID:  109380 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.


As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.


American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Primary Role

Operates various types of power construction equipment such as backhoe and front-end loaders, to excavate, move, grade and replace soils and miscellaneous backfill/restoration materials, and to load /unload pipe, fittings and materials. Assist other crewmembers with various duties in connection with the operation, maintenance and construction of the water distribution system.

This position requires strong experience operating a backhoe.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform all functions of the position in a safe and conscientious manner, with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public.
  • Operates earthmoving and construction equipment and vehicles.
  • Takes instructions and decides what needs to be done with the assigned equipment in order to complete the job.
  • Reads and understands schematics, blueprints or sketches of work to be done.
  • Understands Miss Utility marks and is familiar with the hazards associated with other below and above ground utilities including a general understanding of the Miss Utility laws and regulations and related company policies.
  • Performs safety/operational inspections and routine minor preventative maintenance to equipment.
  • Has a general understanding of Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act and company policies relating to same.
  • Assist with wet taps using large and small tapping machines, install repair sleeves, flare copper, and install meter settings and yokes.
  • Be familiar with the duties of Laborer, Truck Driver, and Utility Worker classifications.
  • Assists with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic, may flag traffic as required.
  • Maneuvers pipe sections, valves and fittings into position.
  • Backfills excavations using compaction equipment on dirt, crushed stone and cold mixed asphalt.
  • Removes and installs water meters, reads meters after installation.
  • Work overtime as required.
  • Drive Company vehicles and pull trailers as required.
  • Performs maintenance work on Company property and grounds.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Other duties may be assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills

Language Skills:

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Mathematical Skills:

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruction furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 
Experience/Education
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Two (2) years experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write simple reports and correspondence 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Valid motor vehicle operators license with acceptable driving record.
  • Confined Space Entry Certification (post-hire)
  • VDOT Flagging Certification (post-hire)
Work Environment
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in all weather conditions and is regularly exposed to vibration.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
  • The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently expose to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
  • The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:

  • 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 stand; walk, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or remove up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.


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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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