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Contract Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SiteWise

Operator I Pipeline

Henderson, CO · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

SiteWise

Heavy Equipment Operator I-AMRP

Henderson, CO · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

SiteWise

Heavy Equipment Operator I-AMRP

Henderson, CO

$24 - $29/hr

Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

SiteWise

CDL Operator II - Utility Services

Henderson, CO · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

SiteWise

CDL Operator II - Utility Services

Henderson, CO · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs. * Exposes underground ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

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Contract Backhoe Operator information

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$57K

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How much do contract backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract backhoe operator in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there demand for contract backhoe operators?

Contract backhoe operators are in demand in construction, infrastructure, and excavation projects, especially during peak building seasons. Employers seek experienced operators with valid certifications and knowledge of equipment maintenance, and job opportunities are often available through staffing agencies and online job boards.

How much money can I make with a contract backhoe operator?

Contract backhoe operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Some operators may also charge a flat rate per project or day, which can vary widely based on the scope of work and contractual terms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract backhoe operator?

To thrive as a Contract Backhoe Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, understanding of construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with backhoe machinery, GPS surveying tools, and proper certification or licensing for heavy equipment operation are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and accurate execution of excavation and construction projects.

What is a contract backhoe operator?

Contract Backhoe Operators are skilled professionals who operate backhoe machinery on a contract basis, typically for construction, excavation, or demolition projects. They are responsible for digging, moving earth, and handling materials efficiently and safely according to project specifications. Unlike full-time employees, contract operators are usually hired for specific jobs or periods, providing flexibility for both employers and operators. They must have proper training, certifications, and often their own equipment to perform the work. Their expertise is essential for projects that require precise earthmoving and site preparation.

What are some typical challenges contract backhoe operators face when working on multiple job sites?

Contract Backhoe Operators often encounter challenges related to adapting to different site conditions and project requirements. Each site may have unique soil types, space constraints, or safety protocols, requiring operators to quickly assess and adjust their techniques. Coordinating with various teams, such as site supervisors and other equipment operators, is essential to maintain productivity and safety. Additionally, managing equipment maintenance across multiple locations can be demanding but is crucial to minimize downtime.

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

AspectContract Backhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, specialized excavator training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, demolition, mining
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, contractorsConstruction, mining, infrastructure

The Contract Backhoe Operator and Excavator Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in construction and utility projects. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: backhoe operators handle versatile backhoe loaders, while excavator operators focus on larger, more specialized excavators. Both roles are essential in construction and excavation projects, with similar credential requirements and industry usage.

What cities are hiring for Contract Backhoe Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Backhoe Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Backhoe Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Backhoe Operator jobs include:
Contract Backhoe Operator jobs near you

Operator I Pipeline

Peak Utility Services Group

Henderson, CO • On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance services, including repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation of natural gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure through our operating subsidiaries: SiteWise, Kelly Cable, Riley Brothers, 5 Star Electric, Superior Hydrovac and Superior Pipeline Services.
Position Title: Operator I Pipeline
Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $32.00 - $40.00 per hour DOE
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The Operator I is a valued member of a 2-4-person construction crew, has full knowledge of operations, and is an expert in heavy equipment. This position will be required to operate a mini excavator to dig around live utilities. Operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner as required for placing utilities to new and existing residential homes, multifamily and commercial units. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers, backhoes, loaders, and other pieces of equipment.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Operates, maneuvers, navigates, or drives vehicles or mechanized equipment or passenger vehicles.
  • Uses either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes.
  • Inspects equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards and communicates abnormal working conditions to appropriate parties.
  • Provides mid-level laborer functions including hand digging with a shovel, setting up traffic control, entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety sensitive utility construction sites.
  • Proficient with utility print and map reading.
  • Has performed at least 6 months of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini); knows all safety regulations with basic operating skills.
  • Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs.
  • Exposes underground utilities manually.
  • Cleans, Grease, checks fluid levels and conducts a visual inspection of equipment to assure your equipment is performing at optimum safety and the required paperwork.
  • Working alongside with another team member taking hand signals to safely excavate a site.
  • Follows 811 digging laws and company's safe digging practices.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Success Factors:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Ability to lift up to 80 lbs multiple times during a work shift.
  • Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces, on uneven surfaces, walking, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with co-workers.
  • Ability to pass motor vehicle, criminal background check, and comply with drug-free workplace policy.
  • English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports.
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills.

Experience and Education:
  • One (1+) plus years of experience in backhoe/mini excavator operation is required.
  • One (1+) plus years of experience digging and working around underground utilities is required.
  • Two (2+) plus years of demonstrated experience in dry utilities preferred.
  • Experience reading basic prints and Underground Facility Location Sketch is preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-to-year basis.

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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