ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cat Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development! Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Hagerstown, MD Position ... CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports To: Team Lead Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Hagerstown, MD Position ... CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports To: Team Lead Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Virginia, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Hagerstown, MD Position ... CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports To: Team Lead Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Hagerstown, MD Position ... CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports To: Team Lead Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Hagerstown, MD Position ... CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports To: Team Lead Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsConstruction JobsGeneral Construction JobsExcavator Operator JobsCat Excavator Operator Jobs

Cat Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do cat excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cat Excavator Operator?

A Cat Excavator Operator is a skilled professional who operates Caterpillar (Cat) excavators to dig, move, and lift materials on construction sites. Their job involves maneuvering heavy equipment to perform tasks such as trenching, grading, and site preparation. Operators must be knowledgeable about safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and interpreting construction plans. They play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by Cat Excavator Operators on construction sites?

Cat Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, maintaining equipment safety, and adapting to changing site conditions. Operators must remain vigilant to avoid underground utilities and coordinate closely with ground crews to ensure efficient project progress. Additionally, weather and soil conditions can impact machine performance and safety, requiring operators to adjust their techniques and remain flexible throughout the workday.

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

To thrive as a Cat Excavator Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license or specialized equipment certification. Familiarity with operating systems like CAT Grade Control, hydraulic controls, and safety monitoring devices is essential. Attention to detail, strong spatial awareness, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, precise, and efficient operation of excavators on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What is the difference between Cat Excavator Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectCat Excavator OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, equipment-specific trainingOSHA certification, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, excavation
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, demolitionConstruction, landscaping, utility installation

Both Cat Excavator Operators and Backhoe Operators require similar certifications and work in construction environments. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: excavator operators handle large, long-reach machinery for deep digging, while backhoe operators use versatile equipment for smaller, varied tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on project needs.

What states have the most Cat Excavator Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cat Excavator Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cat Excavator Operator jobs?

For Cat Excavator Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cat Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA • On-site

Turner Mining Group
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Turner Mining Groupexternal

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352)

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration)

Move Massive Dirt - Power Large-Scale Site Development!

Are you a heavy-equipment professional who knows how to move dirt fast and keep haul trucks moving smoothly? We are hiring a Mass Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA.

In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to tackle heavy bulk cuts and fills, construct haul roads and building pads, and work alongside underground utility teams on major civil projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • High-Volume Dirt Production: Masterfully operate a CAT 352 Mass Excavation Excavator for bulk earthmoving, heavy cut/fill operations, and site clearing.
  • Rapid Truck Loading: Load off-road and highway haul trucks safely, evenly, and rapidly to keep production cycle times at peak efficiency.
  • Site Infrastructure: Build smooth haul roads, construct building pads, and shape mass site contours to exact project plan specifications.
  • Underground Utility Support: Perform deep bulk excavations and ground prep to support underground utility installation crews.
  • Equipment Maintenance & Daily Logging: Complete required daily equipment logs, conduct daily walkarounds, manage fluid levels, grease key points, and report mechanical needs.

Candidate Requirements

  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on mass earthwork, bulk cut/fill, and site development projects.
  • Site Skills: Proven expertise in rapid truck loading, pad building, and haul road creation.
  • Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
  • Utility Awareness: Familiarity working around or prepping ground for underground utility infrastructure.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply