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Cat Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner-Mining-Group-LLC

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

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

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/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

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/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

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV 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

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/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

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

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

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 ...

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 Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports ...

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY

Excavator Operator

Leonard, TX · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

Experience operating an excavator Cat 336 or bigger. * Experience working with underground utilities and laying big-diameter pipe. * Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance * Must be ...

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY

NY · On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Five years of experience operating a Cat 336 size excavator or bigger. * Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance * Must be able to work overtime LET'S TALK THE PERKS! * Virtual doctor ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Leonard, TX · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

Experience operating an excavator Cat 336 or bigger. * Experience working with underground utilities and laying big-diameter pipe. * Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance * Must be ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Lithia, FL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Five years of experience operating a Cat 336 size excavator or bigger. * Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance * Must be able to work overtime LET'S TALK THE PERKS! * Virtual doctor ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Lithia, FL

$19.75 - $26/hr

Five years of experience operating a Cat 336 size excavator or bigger. * Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance * Must be able to work overtime LET'S TALK THE PERKS! * Virtual doctor ...

SMITH ROWE, LLC

Excavator Operator

Saluda, NC · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and ... At least three (3) years of experience with Cat 249 size or bigger excavator. * Experience in ...

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Cat Excavator Operator information

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$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

Charles Town, WV • On-site

Turner-Mining-Group-LLC
See more jobs at Turner-Mining-Group-LLCexternal

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Charles Town, WV

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

Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)

Reports To: Team Lead

Lead the Dig – Precision Deep Utility Operations!

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV.

In this key role, you’ll take the controls of a CAT 340 to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities
  • Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
  • Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
  • Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
  • Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete required daily equipment logs, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
  • Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with your Team Lead and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.
Candidate Requirements
  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
  • Pipelaying Expertise: Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures and managing deep utility excavations.
  • Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
  • Technical Skills: Expert ability to set (… safety around working ground crews.
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