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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

City of Durham

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with ... operating difficulty. This job works in close proximity to high voltage wires & other lines often ...

Charah Solutions Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Moncure, NC · On-site

$20.24 - $30.30/hr

... backhoe, front end loader, dozer, excavator, and/or motor grader in a safe and efficient manner ... Operator has a thorough understanding of construction surveying, including grade control and ...

Duke University

GROUNDS EQUIP OPERATOR, SR

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.32 - $21.35/hr

As the Grounds Equipment Operator , you'll be a vital part of a collaborative team that supports ... Operate backhoe to dig ditches and holes. Operate farm-type tractor to maintain lawns, roads, walks ...

Duke University

GROUNDS EQUIP OPERATOR, SR

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.32 - $21.35/hr

As the Grounds Equipment Operator , you'll be a vital part of a collaborative team that supports ... Operate backhoe to dig ditches and holes. Operate farm-type tractor to maintain lawns, roads, walks ...

Faulconer Construction

Grade Foreman

Cary, NC · On-site

Supervises, coordinates and directs grader, backhoe, loader and other road building operators and/or other site crew personnel in the movement of dirt, trees, rocks and other material in the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackhoe Operator JobsBackhoe Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Backhoe Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.1K

$55.4K

$85.5K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Raleigh, NC is $55,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $59,800.00 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.
More about Backhoe Operator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Backhoe Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Backhoe Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,350 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

City of Durham, NC

Durham, NC • On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary : $53,272.00 - $78,713.00 Annually
Location : 1600 Mist Lake Dr., Durham, NC
Job Type: Full time with benefits
Job Number: 25-05775
Department: Water Management
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.
Hiring Range: $53,272 - $59,617
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The City of Durham's wants YOU to join our team of more than 380 talented and dedicated employees that provide critical water and sewer services for Durham's 309,000 plus residents. Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state to our customers each and every day, but we also make sure that the wastewater leaving our facilities is carefully treated to protect the environment. We have a wide-ranging variety of positions open to match your skill set - mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, customer billing techs, and much more. If you have a passion for managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, providing excellent customer service, and keeping the water and wastewater in the pipes, bring your skills and talent to Durham!
Water Management has some vacancies for a Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) within the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division. HEOs, no matter where they are assigned, are expected to operate specialized and heavy-duty motorized equipment and vehicles which have complex operating requirements. Work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of at least 3 of the following: Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with attachments, Track Loader, dump truck, Jet Vac truck, flushers, and pump-oriented water tanks.
In accordance with DOT, this role also operates vehicles that haul heavy loads and/or tow equipment with or without a trailer; bulldozers, tractor-type construction equipment, and other types of similar heavy earthmoving equipment of comparable operating difficulty. This job works in close proximity to high voltage wires & other lines often climbing on equipment higher than 4 feet & working within tight spaces. This job is required to work weekend rotation for stand-by/recall, overtime, and/or call back for emergencies and during all types of weather conditions.
HEOs normally work on teams within Outfall Maintenance or as part of the Excavation teams and cross train in the various work-groups listed below:
  • Excavation: Maintains pipelines, installing new services, hydrants, valves, manholes and meters
  • Outfall Maintenance: clears easements & assists with manhole repair & inspections; responds to sanitary sewer overflow
  • Distribution Systems: Repairs and maintain valves and fire hydrants
  • Collection Systems: Assists with closed circuit television inspections, flush truck operations & sanitary sewer overflow

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Operating construction equipment including, but not limited, to backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, front-end loaders, rollers, compactors, camera trucks and flush trucks.
  • Performs and/or assists with coordinating maintenance operations; installs, operates, and/or repairs vehicles, signs, networks, cameras, pumps, pipes, water lines, radio systems, and other devices and equipment at assigned facilities or sites; performs skilled plumbing, carpentry, concrete work, masonry, painting, and welding duties; and/or performs preventative maintenance on HVAC equipment, tools, and small engines.
  • Inspects conditions of equipment, vehicles, signs, networks, cameras, radio systems, devices, and other materials at assigned facilities or sites; sets up work safe zones and detour routes; directs traffic; and addresses safety issues to detect and troubleshoot maintenance-related issues; and ensures compliance with established safety and operational policies and practices.
  • Prepares and maintains reports and records, performs data entry, receives and processes work orders and service requests, and updates work order systems and related databases, to document and facilitate maintenance operations, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSet, TASC)
  • Four years of equipment operation, or technical repair experience in areas related to assignment.
  • A valid North Carolina Class A Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required
  • Must complete job related and/or safety training based on assignment, such as (but not limited to) lock out/tag out, confined space entry, ladder safety, respirator and emergency evacuation training.
  • Ability to safely and efficiently operate of at least 3 of the following: Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with attachments, Track Loader, dump truck, Jet Vac truck, flushers, and pump-oriented water tanks.
  • Must be comfortable climbing on equipment higher than 4 feet & working within tight spaces including trenches and confined spaces.

Additional Preferred Skills
  • 1+ years of supervisory experience in a field position leading a crew
  • OSHA Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, & Trenching/Shoring certifications or obtained within 1 year of hire
  • NC Grade C, B, or A Water Distribution
  • NC Grade I, II, III, or IV Wastewater Collections

Benefits - General Full-Time Employees
  • 12-13 paid holidays per year
  • 13 standard work days of vacation per year
  • 13 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; sick leave may be used toward early retirement
  • 2 weeks paid military leave per year
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans
  • State and City retirement plans
  • Short and long term disability plans
  • Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions
  • City contribution of 13.6% into the N.C. State Retirement System
  • Paid funeral leave
  • Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling
  • Paid life insurance equal to annual salary
  • 48 hours for volunteer work each year*
  • 4 hours parental leave each year
  • Workman's Compensation Insurance
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Benefits - Part-Time (1,000 hours or more per year)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan
Benefits Part-Time (Average 30 hours per week over 12 month period)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Health insurance effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Dental and life insurance, after one year of service
  • Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service

01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
  • City of Durham Website
  • Walk in
  • Job fair
  • Employee referral
  • Professional organization ***Please list the organization in "other" box below***
  • Internet posting ***Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below***
  • Craig's List
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • GlassDoor
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Monster.com
  • Indeed.com
  • Employment Security Commission
  • Magazine/Newspaper
  • Other

02
If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03
Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.
  • Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD or Juris Doctorate

04
How many years of related experience do you have in equipment operation, or technical repair experience in areas related to assignment?
  • No related experience
  • Less than 1 year of related experience
  • 1 year but less than 4 years related experience
  • 4 years but less than 8 years related experience
  • 8 or more years related experience

05
Do you have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license? (If you have a valid license from a State other than North Carolina, you must be willing and able to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days of hire)
  • I have a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license.
  • I have a valid license from another State and I am willing to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days.
  • I do not have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.

06
How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory/management capacity leading a crew?
  • No supervisory experience
  • Some supervisory experience but less than 1 year
  • 1 year experience but less than 3 years
  • 3 years experience but less than 5 years
  • 5 or more years supervisory experience

07
Do you have an OSHA Competent Person Certification?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you have a current and valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) level A?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Do you have a North Carolina Grade C, B, or A Water Distribution certification?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you have a NC Grade I, II, III, or IV Wastewater Collections certification?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you have an OSHA Confined Space Training/Certification?
  • Yes
  • No

12
Do you have an OSHA Trenching/Shoring certification?
  • Yes
  • No

13
Are you willing and able to work weekend rotation for stand-by/recall, overtime, and/or call back for emergencies and during all types of weather conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

14
Are you comfortable climbing on equipment higher than 4 feet & working within tight spaces including trenches and confined spaces?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Do you have experience working with the following heavy equipment (check all that apply):
  • None of these
  • Backhoe
  • Track-hoe
  • Skid-Steer
  • Dump trucks
  • Excavator
  • Rubber Tire Loader
  • Front-end Loader and/or tractor with attachments
  • Track Loader
  • Jet Vac truck
  • Flushers
  • Pump-oriented water tanks

Required Question

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