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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

Company Overview Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known ... contracts and subcontracts, statistical reports, operating and maintenance instructions and ...

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Contract Excavator Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Alabama is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract excavator operator?

Contract Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate excavators and other heavy machinery on a contract basis for construction, demolition, or earthmoving projects. Instead of working as full-time employees, they are typically hired by construction companies or contractors for specific jobs or periods. Their responsibilities include digging, grading, trenching, and moving earth or materials according to project specifications. They must have a good understanding of equipment safety, maintenance, and efficient operation. These operators often need to be licensed or certified, depending on regional regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract excavator operator?

To thrive as a Contract Excavator Operator, you need hands-on experience in heavy equipment operation, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant operator's license or certification. Familiarity with industry-standard excavators, GPS machine control systems, and routine equipment maintenance procedures is important. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safety and collaboration on job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, reducing risks and maximizing productivity in construction projects.

What are common challenges faced by contract excavator operators when working on multiple job sites?

Contract excavator operators often need to quickly adapt to new job sites, each with unique terrain, safety requirements, and team dynamics. Managing different equipment, understanding varying site layouts, and collaborating with new crews can be challenging. Additionally, maintaining consistent safety practices and ensuring proper communication with supervisors and other contractors are crucial for success. Staying organized and flexible helps operators handle these challenges effectively.

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

AspectContract Excavator OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, excavator operation certificationOSHA safety training, general equipment operation certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, industrial sites
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis, specialized in excavationFull-time or contract, broader equipment handling

The Contract Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators for excavation projects, often on a contractual basis, focusing on digging, trenching, and site preparation. Equipment Operators may handle a variety of machinery, including bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, across different industries. While both roles require safety certifications and experience with heavy machinery, Contract Excavator Operators are more focused on excavation-specific tasks, whereas Equipment Operators have a broader scope of equipment handling.

How much do they pay a contract excavator operator?

Contract excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates may vary based on certifications, equipment used, and the duration of the contract.

How to get a job as a contract excavator operator?

To get a job as a contract excavator operator, you should obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and relevant excavator operation certifications. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, demonstrating proficiency with heavy machinery, and building a network in the construction industry can improve your chances of securing contract work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Contract Excavator Operator job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,314 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator (Telecommunications)

Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

Thomasville, AL โ€ข On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

THIS IS A TRAVEL ROLE AND MAY REQUIRE EXTENDED OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR 4+ CONSECUTIVE WEEKS TO SUPPORT ASSIGNED PROJECT(S).

THIS POSITION MAY BE FILLED AS A LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, OR FOREMAN LEVEL ROLE.

WHO WE ARE

EPC was conceived and operates to provide anyone who desires to provide for their families through the work they do, an opportunity to do so. Everything we do revolves around the vision of a company that provides safe, quality work, driving customer demand that ultimately results in the creation of new job opportunities in the markets we serve. We focus heavily on our Core Values and expect all our employees to operate with those Core Values in Mind. These Core Values are Live Safe, Customer First, Do the Right Thing, Be at Team Player, and Be Productive. 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Driller II will be using the in-house directional drill, create a directional drill plan; and execute plan. Daily work will involve traveling to different jobsite locations, survey, plan and execute directional bores to place client facilities. Must have full knowledge of underground piping, conduit, cable, and fiber installation operations. The operator will be responsible for directional drilling, locating, and reading prints. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

  • Reviewing blueprints or other plans to determine where to begin drilling holes.
  • Inspecting the progress of a drill site at regular intervals to ensure that it is progressing according to schedule.
  • Analyze job locations for utility lines, permitting, and traffic control to complete construction activities without quality defects, safety incidents or any type of property damage.
  • Complete daily inspections and reporting of maintenance issues on vehicles, trailers, and equipment.
  • Perform service, safety checks, check oil and fluids, and minor repairs on equipment.
  • Visually assess digging areas to ensure it has been properly staked/located prior to digging.
  • Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment when needed.
  • Perform laborer requirements and responsibilities as needed.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Perform a variety of tasks requiring the use of hand tools and power tools and motorized equipment.
  • Communicates with supervisor daily to turn in required reports, bore logs, etc...
  • Ability to properly clean and maintain the equipment, including winterizing equipment.
  • Strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.
  • Ensures all work is performed to quality standard while always complying with proper safety standards/procedures and work practices/policies & procedures according to EPC and OSHA/ANSI standards.
  • Assist with filling water tanks and adding chemicals when needed.
  • Hook up proper equipment such as reamer, swivel etc.
  • Make minor repairs/change out wearable parts such as jaw dyes etc. 

WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid Class A CDL is required for the Level 2 & Level 3 role. Tanker and HazMat endorsements are preferred. 
  • At least 3-5 years’ of drilling and equipment operator experience.
  • Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of telecommunications and reading prints.
  • Knowledge of underground pot holing and locating
  • Ability to operate equipment, including, but not limited to directional drills, locating systems, trencher, backhoe, excavators.
  • Work with locator/operator to locate utilities during the bore process
  • Must have the ability to work safely, with or without supervision.
  • Able to safely work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to listen to and implement directions.
  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of equipment.
  • Daily inspection on bore rig and other equipment.
  • Ability to navigate various terrains, managing equipment, safety equipment and tools. Basic understanding of power and how the strike alert & grounding works and when to use it.
  • Operating a variety of drilling equipment, excavators, locators, air compressors, missiles, or willingness to learn
  • HDD certifications are preferred. 
  • OSHA 10 Certification is required. 

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING

  • Full-time opportunity in a fast-growth company!
  • Opportunity to work autonomously. None of that micromanaging garbage. We hate that!
  • Competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Company paid time-off.
  • Weekly paychecks! 

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Outdoors environment which may require exposure to elements, including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, cold, snow, sleet, mud, etc. 
  • May be required to stand, sit, bend, twist, and reach as part of the job.
  • Extended periods of standing on your feet may be required.
  • Must be able to travel to and from job locations, which may vary depending on customer and contract. 
  • May be required to lift up to 80 pounds.
  • Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen, or other job-related pre-hire screenings related to the job.
  • This position may require overnight travel for projects, which may be for extended periods of time (4+ consecutive weeks).