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Digger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Derrick Digger Operator

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$45 - $58/hr

The Derrick Digger Operator plays a vital role in construction and utility installation projects by operating heavy machinery to dig and manage materials efficiently and safely. Working primarily on ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Pressure Digger Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Pressure Digger Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a pressure digger truck used to excavate the most challenging conditions. This role supports ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

Drive and operate digger derrick to and from job sites to set streetlight poles * Perform clearing, grading, excavations as needed on job sites * Property or worksite restoration as needed associated ...

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Safely drives, positions and operates a truck mounted hydraulic digger boom on job sites throughout the state of West Virginia. This position requires a competent and experienced operator to dig ...

Description Derrick Digger Operator We are seeking a Digger Derrick Operator, preferably with experience in the electrical or underground field, to install traffic signal lighting will also be ...

Description Derrick Digger Operator We are seeking a Digger Derrick Operator, preferably with experience in the electrical or underground field, to install traffic signal lighting will also be ...

Controller Digger Specialties, Inc. - Bremen, Indiana - Corporate Office Position Summary The Corporate Controller is responsible for the leadership, management, and oversight of all accounting ...

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How much do digger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for digger in the United States is $26.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a digger?

Diggers are workers or machines that excavate soil, rocks, or other materials from the ground, typically for construction, mining, or landscaping projects. The term often refers to both manual laborers who use tools like shovels and pickaxes, as well as to heavy equipment operators who control machinery such as excavators and backhoes. Diggers play a crucial role in preparing sites for building foundations, installing utilities, or extracting resources. Their work requires physical strength, attention to safety, and sometimes specialized training for operating equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digger, you need physical strength, stamina, a basic understanding of construction or excavation processes, and sometimes relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as operating small machinery like mini-excavators, is often required. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate site work, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by diggers on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Diggers often encounter challenges such as working in varying soil conditions, operating heavy machinery safely, and coordinating with other site workers. These challenges can be managed by adhering to safety protocols, conducting regular equipment maintenance, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and team members. Staying adaptable and attentive to site-specific hazards helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is the difference between Digger vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDiggerExcavator Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a basic operating license or certificationRequires a valid excavator operator certification or license
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping, miningConstruction sites, demolition, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageCommonly used term in casual or general contextsFormal job title used in industry and official listings
Job ScopeRefers to the machine or the operatorSpecifically the skilled operator of excavator machinery

While both terms relate to heavy machinery used in construction, a Digger generally refers to the machine itself or a casual term for the operator, whereas an Excavator Operator is a formal job title for a professional trained to operate excavator equipment in various construction and mining projects.

More about Digger jobs

What cities are hiring for Digger jobs?

Cities with the most Digger job openings:

What states have the most Digger jobs?

States with the most job openings for Digger jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Digger jobs?

For Digger jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Digger job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,795 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Digger Derrick Operator

Tradeco Construction

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Tradeco Construction is seeking an experienced Digger Derrick Operator to support utility, infrastructure, and renewable energy construction projects throughout New York State.

Location: New York State / Upstate NY Projects

Travel: Required throughout New York State

Compensation: up to $70,000 annual base, with prevailing wage opportunities, overtime, travel, and per diem opportunities depending on project assignment.

Reports To: Construction Superintendent

Position Overview

This role will operate digger derrick equipment for pole installation/removal, drilling, excavation, material handling, and related utility construction work.

Must-Have Requirements

  • Valid CDL Class A or Class B
  • Valid New York State Class F Hoisting Machine Operator License
  • Valid DOT Medical Card 
  • Minimum three years of experience operating digger derrick or similar utility construction

equipment

  • Willing and able to travel throughout New York State for project work
  • Working outdoors in active construction environments

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate digger derrick equipment for pole installation, pole removal, drilling, excavation,

and material handling

  • Support installation/removal of utility, communication, and surveillance poles
  • Handle utility materials and equipment, including transformers, reclosers, and related

hardware

  • Perform equipment inspections and maintain required logs/documentation
  • Follow safe rigging, lifting, outrigger setup, and equipment operation practices
  • Coordinate with ground crews, signal persons, and supervisors on active project sites
  • Participate in JHAs, safety meetings, and site-specific safety procedures

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in utility pole work, telecom, electrical distribution, or renewable energy

construction

  •  OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • NCCCO certification or equivalent operator training
  • First Aid / CPR certification
  • Prior experience operating digger derrick, boom truck, or similar utility construction

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • 401(k) eligibility after one year of employment
  • 401(k) employer match, subject to plan eligibility requirements

Tradeco Construction logo

About Tradeco Construction

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Tradeco Advantage: We do the hard work in labor management for you. We recruit, thoroughly vet and employ highly-reliable, highly-qualified, safety-oriented tradespeople. This means you get the tradespeople you need where and when you need them, and you can count on them to perform. We’re easy to work with – whether you need a single person for a single day or crews of people for months or even years at a time, we’ll make sure you have the skilled tradespeople you need, where and when you need them. And there is no complicated formula for your labor cost – you just pay an hourly rate only for the hours worked.

Industry

Construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Elgin, IL, US

Year founded

2003

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