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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Bradken

Area Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

You will hold full functional ownership of regional sales plans, major contract negotiations, and ... Knowledge of heavy machinery applications (such as Rope Shovels and Hydraulic Excavators) across ...

All JobsContract Excavator Operator JobsContract Excavator Operator Jobs in Utah

Contract Excavator Operator information

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$12

$23

$37

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Utah is $23.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.06 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 Utah?

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

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

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

Contract Excavator Operator jobs near you

Water / Sewer Operator

Pleasant Grove, UT • On-site

Pleasant Grove City
See more jobs at Pleasant Grove Cityexternal

$23.83 - $33.37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position open until filled. First review of candidates on Monday, August 10, 2026.
GENERAL PURPOSE
This position works under the direction of the Public Works Director and the Water Superintendent. Responsibilities include daily operating a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City streets, right-of-way, and storm water drainage systems of the City.
FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
  • Inspect, maintain and/or repair utility infrastructure, including water lines, sewer lines and pressure irrigation systems.
  • Perform required labor involved in construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects, including pavement repair, ditch digging, pipe laying, and sampling.
  • Traverse assigned routes by foot and/or vehicle, take readings of water meter dials, and input accurate data.
  • Perform water service disconnects, reconnects, and new service orders, and handle complaints.
  • Maintain a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, water meter testing, consumption, etc.
  • Determine the locations of utility lines prior to excavation.
  • Contact and provide notices to residents and business owners in areas where water service will be interrupted.
  • Drive trucks of various sizes and weights and operate a variety of powered construction and maintenance equipment.
  • Communicate with co-workers, citizens, and others in a courteous and professional manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Valid drivers' license required
  • CDL must be obtained within 6 months of hire

Experience:
  • One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in Public Works
  • Equipment operating experience on light and heavy equipment desired

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Considerable knowledge of the materials, methods, practices and equipment of public works field operations such as water, sewer, maintenance, repair of streets, mechanical maintenance, automotive fleets, and safety practices.
  • The hazards of such work and the safety precautions necessary to minimize them.
  • Mathematical principles as required by a general high school curriculum.
  • Sewer repair, maintenance, and installation.
  • Local infrastructure including the location and source of major utilities, rights-of-way, public property, and public buildings.
  • Ability to work in all types of weather for a prolonged period of time.
  • Ability to obtain a CDL (Class B) within 6 months of hire.
  • Ability to understand and effectively carry out written and oral instructions and to complete and maintain accurate written reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and other employees.
  • Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and recommend solutions.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects with assistance.
  • Ability to perform general office work with recurring movement, including lifting, standing, bending, walking, crawling, or climbing.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Working conditions may vary.
  • Regularly works in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually outdoors and loud.

DISCLAIMER
The City of Pleasant Grove is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, genetic information, age, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, or any other factor protected by the law. Reasonable accommodations may be made for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major responsibilities and duties performed on the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job-related duties and responsibilities that an employee may perform. An employee in this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This job description is not intended to and does not infer or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. This updated job description supersedes prior descriptions for the same position. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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