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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Edmond, OK

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Lawton, OK

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Harber construction

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator

Pinedale, WY · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Heavy equipment operator with strong leadership skills. Primary work is digging for house foundations, installing utilities, septics, etc. Winter work includes plowing snow, thawing lines, shop work ...

Quanta Services

Equipment Operator

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Our Equipment Operators work all aspects of job, you may be hand digging trenches if machinery isn't able to reach a specific area needing to be trenched/dug. Experience: * Possess a valid CDL class ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications Company that is looking ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Ardmore, OK · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Edmond, OK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Y&K Excavation

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Equipment Operator

Salida, CO · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Looking for heavy equipment operators with experience in civil construction. Looking for skilled ... Digging and installing main line pipe, services, backfilling, crushing, road building, etc. Company ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Lawton, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

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Digging Equipment Operator information

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$14

$24

$34

How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging equipment operator in the United States is $24.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Digging Equipment Operators on construction sites?

Digging Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance under demanding circumstances. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure safety and project efficiency. Operators must also stay vigilant about underground utilities and adapt quickly to changes in site plans, making flexibility and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Digging Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of safety protocols, and experience operating heavy machinery, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and effective communication enhance performance and safety on the job site. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and accurate excavation work, minimizing risks and project delays.

What is the difference between Digging Equipment Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDigging Equipment OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, demolition, landscaping
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, mining firms, utility contractorsConstruction firms, excavation services, landscaping companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery for digging tasks, often requiring similar certifications and working in construction or excavation environments. The term "Excavator Operator" specifically refers to operating excavators, while "Digging Equipment Operator" can encompass a broader range of machinery. However, in many cases, these titles are used interchangeably, with the primary focus on excavation work.

What are digging equipment operators?

Digging equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, trenchers, and other equipment used for digging and earthmoving tasks. They work on construction sites, road projects, utility installations, and other infrastructure projects, ensuring that trenches, foundations, and holes are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. These operators are trained to handle complex machinery, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
More about Digging Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Digging Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Digging Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Digging Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Digging Equipment Operator jobs are:
Digging Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digging Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,524 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Equipment Operator will be responsible for ditching of new house services, sub-division services, and large trench projects to the customer's satisfaction. This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in, electric equipment.

Qualifications

  • Experience with excavators of all sizes, as well as with crossing/digging across utilities
  • Ability to effectively lead a crew
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

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