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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team ... contracts and committed to delivering high quality work safely and efficiently. At Bricco ...

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Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team ... contracts and committed to delivering high quality work safely and efficiently. At Bricco ...

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Superior Hydrovac is a full-service turn-key hydro excavation company dedicated to providing world ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Superior Hydrovac is a full-service turn-key hydro excavation company dedicated to providing world ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

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... contracts and committed to delivering high quality work safely and efficiently. At Bricco ... Work alongside excavator operators and pipe crews during utility installation projects * Assist ...

Operator

Stevensville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Operates equipment including excavator, compactor, bulldozer, forklift, front end loader and other ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

Operator

Stevensville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Operates equipment including excavator, compactor, bulldozer, forklift, front end loader and other ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

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Contract Excavator Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$22

$36

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Michigan is $22.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $24.95 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 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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Heavy Equipment Operator - Underground Utility Experience

Bricco Excavating

Detroit, MI • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

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Job description

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team in the Oak Park, MI region.

About Bricco Excavating Co, LLC

Who is Bricco Excavating Co, LLC.?

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is an underground utility contractor serving the Metro Detroit region since 1996. Specializing in water main infrastructure and public works projects, we are bonded and insured for government contracts and committed to delivering high quality work safely and efficiently.

At Bricco Excavating, we value integrity, teamwork, safety, and reliability. We are proud of the strong relationships we have built with our employees, customers, and suppliers and strive to provide a safe, productive, and rewarding work environment.

Position Overview

Heavy Equipment Operator with Underground Utility Experience

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating excavators, loaders, dozers, and other heavy machinery to support watermain and underground utility installation, repair, and maintenance projects. This position requires experience working around underground utilities, trenching operations, grading, and pipe installation while maintaining a safe and efficient job site. The Heavy Equipment Operator will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and coordinate closely with field crews to ensure projects are completed accurately and safely.

Regular & Timely attendance is essential

Compensation

• Full Time

• $30-$38 per hour

Equipment Experience Preferred

• Dozers

• Excavators

• Rubber Tire

• Backhoe

• Hoe Pack

• Concrete Breaking

• Loaders

• Skid Steers

• Underground utility excavation

• Finish Grading

Responsibilities

• Perform excavation work for watermain, sewer, storm, and underground utility installations

• Excavate trenches to proper depth and grade while maintaining trench safety standards

• Work closely with pipe crews during utility installation operations

• Read and interpret utility markings, grade stakes, and construction plans

• Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around live utility systems

• Operate excavators, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently within the equipment’s operating capabilities to ensure deadlines of job are met

• Follow OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and excavation safety standards

• Load and unload materials and equipment as needed

• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance

• Ensure equipment is properly shut down and stored securely at the end of the shift

• Assist with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required

• Maintain clean and organized job sites

Qualifications

• High school or GED level education preferred

• Minimum 2+ years of heavy equipment operating experience in underground utility construction

• Experience with watermain installation projects preferred

• Strong experience operating excavators around underground utilities

• Ability to read blueprints, grade stakes and utility plans preferred

• Knowledge of water mains, storm drains and sewer systems

• Knowledge of trenching, grading, and excavation safety procedures

• Understanding of underground utility locating and safe digging practices

• Must be able to perform strenuous work in various weather conditions and seasons

• Valid driver’s license required

• Must be able to pass a drug test in accordance with local law/regulations

Skills & Requirements

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship

• Must possess knowledge of equipment & workplace safety

• Ability to work independently, with accuracy and in accordance with company safety and quality standards

• Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors

• Follow instructions given both orally and in writing

• Must be able to communicate with other employees for the purpose of hazard recognition, problem solving and other purposes

• Dependable attendance and punctuality with the ability to work extended hours as required to complete the job

• Must have reliable transportation to work with the ability to travel depending on the project

• Strong equipment operating skills and mechanical aptitude

• Ability to work safely in congested underground utility environments

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical work as needed.

Benefits

• 401K Plan with Company Match

• Fully Paid Medical

• Paid Holidays

• PTO package with vacation time tied to length of employment

• Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (Option)

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Religion, National Origin, Age, Marital or Veteran Status, The presence of a Medical Condition or Handicap, Height, Weight, or any Protected Status.

Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to take a drug test, in accordance with local law/regulations.