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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Contract Excavator Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Oregon is $27.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $30.24 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

Telecom Equipment Operator - TRAVELING

Quanta Services

Prineville, OR

$25 - $38.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Founded in 1964, Robinson Brothers Construction is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), the largest utility contractor in North America. We are a general contractor dialed into the dynamics of installing infrastructure for the communications, renewable energy, natural gas, and electric utility industries. True to our word and proud of our people, we’re committed to providing superior service to our customers throughout the American West.

Between 2006 and 2016, we grew from 14 employees to a team of over 200. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured to operate in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and California. We’re pleased with our growth – but we’re not stopping here.

RBC serves its clients, invests in its employees, and competes for the future – every day.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and participate in E-Verify.


We need Travelers - Travel willing only apply - work is not located in town. 

TRAVEL POSITION - Major Projects Division - work spans across several states - Telecom or underground experienced needed!

Robinson Brothers Construction, LLC is seeking skilled Telecom/Underground Utilities Heavy Equipment Operators to join our traveling crew. Our contracts span the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast, encompassing the western states.

We are looking for talented individuals who are enthusiastic and ready to travel to various job sites. As part of your role, travel is expected and required. This is a field position, and you will be responsible for working at various sites as necessary, including locations in multiple states.

*Travel position - We prioritize local assignments that enable our team to return home each night, while remaining flexible and ready to pursue opportunities wherever the job market takes us.


The TRAVELING Underground Utility Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment cable plows, backhoe, mini excavator, skid steer, rock saw and other utility construction equipment, to install, repair, and maintain underground utilities. Additionally, this position be responsible for the safe transportation of materials and equipment,

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Operate all heavy machinery safely.
  • Dig trenches, back-fill excavations, and compact and level earth to grade specifications.
  • Transport materials and equipment.
  • Load and unload equipment and materials as needed.
  • Follow all on-site safety procedures.
  • Ensure contents and equipment are properly secured during transportation.
  • Comply with all DOT regulations and rules.
  • Perform daily vehicle pre-trip inspections and Job Hazard Analyses (JHA).
  • TRAVEL IS A MUST

Qualifications:

  • Possess a valid CDL Class A (not required, but premium pay is included if held or obtained).
  • Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Clean driving record (no more than 2 tickets in the last 5 years).
  • Strong focus on quality and safety.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Willingness to perform all aspects of the job, including hand digging trenches if machinery cannot reach specific areas.
  • TRAVEL IS REQUIRED

Work Environment:

This is a full-time hourly position, expected to work at least 40 hours per week. This position operates in an outdoor environment and is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including extreme cold, rain, sleet, snow, humidity, high temperatures, and high wind. The outside work environment will vary throughout the day including changes in terrain, traffic, urban settings, and/or rural settings. This position may occasionally be exposed to natural gas and to the risk of electrical shock. Exposure to moderate to loud noise levels. 

Physical Requirements:

The employee will need to have the ability to stand for long periods of time (up to 12 hours at a time), tolerate work in extreme weather conditions, speak and hear worksite safety instructions, withstand prolonged and repeated: lifting, standing, climbing, kneeling, reaching and feeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee will need to be able to regularly lift 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


Benefits Include:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
  • Retirement Savings Plan (401K) with company matching.
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • Competitive Pay

Because we are a Quanta Services Company, this opens us up to an amazing benefits package including travel discounts, car rental, phone, tires, and so much more!

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $25.00/Hr. - USD $38.50/Hr. depending on experience and qualifications.

 * Pay is based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the employee.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


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