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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Civil - Heavy Equipment Operator

Kailua Kona, HI ยท On-site

$40 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform trench digging, ditch work, backfilling, rough grading, finish grading, and utility-related ... What You Bring Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience , preferably in mass ...

Landscape Laborer

Pearl City, HI

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform landscape labor including hand digging, grading, moving soils and gravel, and operating ... Care for and safely handle company equipment, ensuring proper oil and gas mixtures * Build positive ...

Laborer I

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Hand digging with shovels and power tools * Spreading, grading and compacting base rock and asphalt ... Utilizing compaction equipment and tools * Demolition and minor carpentry * Grade checking and ...

Laborer I

Honolulu, HI

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Hand digging with shovels and power tools * Spreading, grading and compacting base rock and asphalt ... Utilizing compaction equipment and tools * Demolition and minor carpentry * Grade checking and ...

Laborer I

Honolulu, HI

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Hand digging with shovels and power tools * Spreading, grading and compacting base rock and asphalt ... Utilizing compaction equipment and tools * Demolition and minor carpentry * Grade checking and ...

Laborer I

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Hand digging with shovels and power tools * Spreading, grading and compacting base rock and asphalt ... Utilizing compaction equipment and tools * Demolition and minor carpentry * Grade checking and ...

... digging, repairing cracks, grinding, smoothing, and epoxy filling. * Prepares surface for ... equipment in safe operating condition. * Uses the Company's Mission/Vision Statements and Core ...

Uses equipment to mow around trees and other obstacles that larger equipment cannot mow. * Observes ... Occasionally requires sitting, digging, crouching, and/or crawling, lifting/carrying/pulling ...

Termite Technician

Kapolei, HI ยท On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

You will be the expert operator for high-powered drills, power sprayers, and trenching tools ... You will be responsible for cutting, trenching, digging, or boring into foundations and soil to ...

CONCRETE FLOOR SPECIALIST

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... digging, repairing cracks, grinding, smoothing, and epoxy filling. * Prepares surface for ... equipment in safe operating condition. * Uses the Company's Mission/Vision Statements and Core ...

General Construction Laborer

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... dismantling scaffolding, digging trenches, and operating basic hand tools. Duties and ... Maintains a clean job site: pick up all tools and equipment and secure job sites each day to ...

Concrete Laborer

Honolulu, HI

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The laborer supports daily site operations by performing tasks such as digging, mixing and pouring ... Prior work operating excavators is a plus. * Prior work with concrete finishing is a plus. * Prior ...

Digging Equipment Operator information

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?

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 is a digging equipment operator?

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.
Infographic showing various Digging Equipment Operator job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Civil - Heavy Equipment Operator

Alpha, Inc.

Kailua Kona, HI โ€ข On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description
The Opportunity
Alpha Inc. is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator who knows dirt, iron, grade, and grit.
This is not a "warm seat, move levers" kind of role. This is mass excavation, site prep, trenching, grading, utility work, GPS-guided precision, and making big civil projects happen safely, cleanly, and on spec.
You'll run excavators, dozers, backhoes, graders, and rock trucks across high-impact projects on Maui-turning raw ground into the foundation for Hawai?i's future.
If you can read plans, respect the machine, work as one crew, and take pride in leaving a site better than you found it-bring your boots. This is your lane.
About Alpha Inc.
At Alpha Inc., we are dedicated to building Hawai'i's future through excellence in heavy civil construction, water well drilling, renewable energy, and concrete services. As a locally owned and operated company, we take pride in delivering high-impact projects that serve our communities for generations.
We live by three core values that shape how we work and lead:
Strength in Unity - Fostering trust and collaboration to achieve collective success.
Lead with Heart - Approaching every endeavor with humility, empathy, and respect.
Alpha Mentality - Demonstrating grit, accountability, and a relentless drive to excel.
Join us in shaping what's next-with purpose, pride, and the Alpha mindset. This tone and structure aligns with the uploaded Alpha COO posting style.
What You Will Do
Operate heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, and rock trucks for mass excavation and site preparation.
Perform trench digging, ditch work, backfilling, rough grading, finish grading, and utility-related excavation based on construction plans.
Use GPS-enabled systems, including Trimble Earthworks or similar platforms, to support accurate excavation, mapping, and grading.
Read and interpret blueprints, site plans, cut sheets, and construction drawings to execute work safely and correctly.
Conduct daily equipment inspections, routine servicing, and basic maintenance checks.
Load, unload, move, spread, and shape materials including soil, gravel, rock, and aggregate.
Follow jobsite safety protocols, participate in daily safety checks, and take ownership of safe equipment operation.
Work closely with foremen, laborers, truck drivers, survey teams, and other operators to keep production moving.
Report mechanical concerns, equipment issues, hazards, and jobsite challenges early and clearly.
Protect the land, the crew, the schedule, and the standard.
What You Bring
Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience, preferably in mass excavation, civil construction, sitework, or utility installation.
Strong operating ability on excavators, bulldozers, graders, backhoes, rock trucks, and related heavy machinery.
Experience with Trimble Earthworks or similar GPS machine-control systems strongly preferred.
Ability to read construction drawings, blueprints, and grading plans.
Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset.
Working knowledge of excavation safety, trench safety, jobsite hazards, and equipment safety protocols.
Valid CDL required, with an excellent driving record.
A calm head, steady hands, and pride in doing the job right the first time.
Why Alpha?
At Alpha Inc., we're not just moving earth-we're building Hawai?i's future from the ground up.
You'll join a crew that leads with heart, works in unity, and brings the Alpha Mentality every day. We value people who show up prepared, operate with precision, protect their team, and take ownership of the work long after the machine shuts down.
This is a place for operators who want more than hours. It's for operators who want impact.
Benefits & Perks
Alpha Inc. offers a competitive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
โ€ข 100% company-paid Medical/Dental/Vision (family coverage)
โ€ข Paid Time Off (PTO) (vacation, personal, and sick time) that increases with tenure
โ€ข Paid holidays
โ€ข Weekly pay
โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligible after 1 month of service (age 18+), with a Safe Harbor match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%) with immediate vesting.
โ€ข Life & AD&D insurance (company-paid, with family coverage)
โ€ข Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (24/7 confidential support)
โ€ข Tuition reimbursement (up to $500/year)
โ€ข Company-provided equipment (role dependent)
โ€ข Additional perks (Aflac supplemental coverage + employee discounts)
โ€ข Employee Ambassador Program: A dedicated, real-human support resource to help you navigate life's challenges-personal or professional-by connecting you to guidance, resources, and solutions when you need them most.
Benefits eligibility may vary based on role and employment status.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Employment at Alpha Inc. is contingent upon:
  • Completion of standard pre-employment screening.
  • Successful completion of a background check conducted after a conditional offer; any prior issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis consistent with Hawai'i and federal law.
  • Passing a drug test (for both full-time and part-time hires) conducted in line with Hawai'i statutory requirements.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; we are unable to sponsor employment visas. Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact us at careers@alphahawaii.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Alpha Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on any protected status under federal or Hawai'i law, and we provide equal opportunity in all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and training.