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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavation Operator South Bay, Florida Forgen is dedicated to building a better future - for ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Conduct quality control checks to ensure work meets contract standards. Preferred Crew While not ... Excavator Operator * General Laborers * MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) Personnel Qualifications

Conduct quality control checks to ensure work meets contract standards. Preferred Crew While not ... Excavator Operator * General Laborers * MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) Personnel Qualifications

Operates heavy equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, material handlers, excavators ... contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.

Operates heavy equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, material handlers, excavators ... contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.

Operates heavy equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, material handlers, excavators ... contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.

Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Operator

South Bay, FL

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Excavator Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Florida is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.39 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 Florida?

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Contract Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Contract Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Excavator Operator job openings in Florida as of July 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 $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator (Utililty Scale Solar)

Performance Personnel Services Mobile

Jacksonville, FL

$28 - $35/hr

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Excavator Operator – Utility Scale Solar

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Employment Type: Temporary / Contract-to-Hire
Pay Rate: $28.00 – $35.00/hour, DOE
Start Date: Immediate

About the Opportunity

Performance Personnel Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support a utility scale solar construction project in the Jacksonville, FL area. This is a hands-on field position for a skilled operator who understands the pace, precision, and safety standards required on large-scale solar EPC job sites.

Job Summary

The Excavator Operator will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of excavation equipment to support site development, grading, trenching, and pile installation activities on a utility scale solar project. This role requires strong equipment control, attention to grade and depth specifications, and the ability to work collaboratively with civil crews, pile driving teams, and site supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate excavator to perform trenching, grading, digging, and material handling in accordance with project plans and specifications
  • Read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, and civil drawings to maintain accurate cuts and depths
  • Support underground utility installation, cable trenching, and equipment pad excavation
  • Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical issues
  • Coordinate with ground crews, surveyors, and other equipment operators to maintain workflow and job site safety
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area
  • Adhere to all OSHA, site-specific, and company safety protocols
  • Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting as needed
  • Accurately complete daily logs, timesheets, and production reports

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of verifiable experience operating an excavator
  • Minimum 2 years of experience specifically on utility scale solar construction projects
  • Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and civil/grading drawings
  • Strong understanding of excavation safety practices and OSHA regulations
  • Ability to pass a site-administered equipment operation test and recertification prior to start
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks associated with heavy equipment operation
  • Reliable transportation to job site
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current excavator operator certification/license (not required, but strongly preferred — all candidates will be tested and recertified on-site regardless of prior certification)
  • Experience with pile driving support, trenching for underground electrical, or civil grading on solar/renewable projects
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit for extended periods while operating heavy equipment
  • Ability to climb in/out of equipment cab repeatedly throughout shift
  • Ability to work in outdoor conditions, including heat, sun exposure, and varying terrain
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed

Why Work With Performance Personnel Services

Performance Personnel Services, LLC connects skilled tradespeople with top-tier commercial construction and renewable energy contractors nationwide. We offer competitive pay, weekly pay cycles, and the opportunity to work on high-profile utility scale solar projects with pathways to contract-to-hire placement.