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Civil Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

Civil Designer

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

Our Boca-Delray, Florida (FL) office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Development Services team! * Implement and manage drafting and plan ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Designer

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

Overview Our Boca-Delray, Florida (FL) office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Development Services team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Designer

Delray Beach, FL

Overview Our Boca-Delray, Florida (FL) office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Development Services team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage ...

Kimley-Horn

Senior Civil Drafter

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Overview Our Philadelphia, PA office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage drafting and plan preparation ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Designer

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

Overview Our Boca-Delray, Florida (FL) office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Development Services team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage ...

Kimley-Horn

Senior Civil Drafter

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Overview Our Philadelphia, PA office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage drafting and plan preparation ...

Kimley-Horn

Senior Civil Drafter

Philadelphia, PA

Overview Our Philadelphia, PA office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our team! Responsibilities * Implement and manage drafting and plan preparation ...

Kimley-Horn

Senior Civil Drafter

Philadelphia, PA

Our Philadelphia, PA office is looking for a Civil Operator or Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our team! * Implement and manage drafting and plan preparation standards * Develop ...

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Civil Operator information

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$34K

$71.4K

$108K

How much do civil operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil operator in the United States is $71,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of a Civil Operator on a typical construction site?

Civil Operators are primarily responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery used in tasks such as earthmoving, site preparation, grading, and digging trenches. They often work closely with site supervisors, engineers, and other crew members to ensure tasks are completed according to plans while adhering to strict safety guidelines. On a daily basis, Civil Operators might inspect equipment for safety, follow technical drawings or markings, and make minor adjustments or repairs as needed. The role can involve changing work locations, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and collaborating as part of a larger team dedicated to infrastructure or civil engineering projects.

Which operator job pays the most?

Among operator roles, heavy equipment operators such as crane, bulldozer, and excavator operators tend to have the highest salaries, especially with specialized skills and certifications. These roles often require experience, safety training, and the ability to operate complex machinery, which can lead to higher pay compared to other operator positions.

What is a Civil Operator job?

A Civil Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, earthworks, and infrastructure projects. Their duties may include excavating, grading, trenching, and transporting materials to support roadworks, building foundations, and utility installations. They must follow safety regulations, interpret site plans, and perform routine maintenance on machinery. Civil Operators often work in teams under site supervisors or project managers to ensure efficient and safe operations on job sites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civil Operator position, and why are they important?

A Civil Operator should have a solid understanding of civil construction practices, machinery operation, site safety rules, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and grading tools, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training or equipment-specific licenses, is usually required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills are highly valued for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and quality project execution in dynamic civil construction environments.

What is the top pay for an excavator operator?

The top pay for an excavator operator can reach up to $30 to $40 per hour or more, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages in the construction and civil engineering industries.

What is a civil operator?

A civil operator is a professional who operates and maintains civil construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders. They work on infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and utilities, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and equipment operation certifications.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, highly specialized roles such as senior executives, surgeons, and certain successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Some high-paying jobs in the construction and engineering sectors, including experienced civil operators with advanced skills and certifications, may also reach this level, especially with overtime, bonuses, or profit sharing. However, such salaries are typically associated with top-tier positions or extensive experience and responsibility.
More about Civil Operator jobs
What states have the most Civil Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Civil Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Civil Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Operator jobs are:
Civil Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,360 per year, or $34.3 per hour.
Civil Operator -Salt Lake City

Civil Operator -Salt Lake City

Mortenson

Eagle Mountain, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Mortenson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SUMMARY 

Mortenson is currently seeking an Civil Operator that will be responsible for operating equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane 
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping 
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions 
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards 
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Equipment certifications as required 
  • Minimum one (3) years of related experience 
  • Current driver's license of proper classification and necessary endorsements as required by law 
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts 
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills 
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback 
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements 
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs. 
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice. 

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment. 

A few benefits offered include: 

  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage 
  • Dental plan 
  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match  
  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves 
  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance 
  • No-Cost mental health tool and conciergewith extensive work-life resources 
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Adoption Assistance 
  • Gym Membership Discount Program 

Please make note:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.  
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days. 

ABOUT MORTENSON 

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. 

Let's Redefine Possible 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category. 

Other Items to Note 

  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

What Mortenson employees say

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M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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