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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Total Civil Construction

Skilled Laborer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

In addition to assisting pipelayers, the skilled laborer also works digging trenches for/around ... Signal equipment operators to align, move or adjust machinery, equipment, or materials * Load ...

New

City of Rockville

Groundskeeper

Rockville, MD

$18/hr

... digging, raking, watering, sweeping, janitorial tasks, and minor equipment repair. Performs ... Licenses and Certifications Valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license preferred. Knowledge ...

City of Rockville, MD

Groundskeeper

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18/hr

... weeding, digging, raking, watering, sweeping, janitorial tasks, and minor equipment repair ... Valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Clear Channel Outdoor

Construction Crew Member

Washington, DC · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Operating welding equipment, chain saws, jack hammers, air impacts and various other equipment hand ... Digging and shoveling of various soils concrete and fill materials Other Requirements: * In and out ...

Clark Construction Group

Carpenter

Lorton, VA · On-site

$28/hr

Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures. * Dismantle wall and ... operating equipment, and ensuring safety. Adequate hearing (with or without assistive devices) is ...

Clark Construction Group, LLC

Carpenter

Lorton, VA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures. * Dismantle wall and ... operating equipment, and ensuring safety. Adequate hearing (with or without assistive devices) is ...

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All JobsDigging Equipment Operator JobsDigging Equipment Operator Jobs in Reston, VA

Digging Equipment Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging equipment operator in Reston, VA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $28.51 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 is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized machinery such as crane or heavy excavator operators, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or large-scale construction. These roles can earn six-figure salaries, particularly in regions with a high cost of living or complex projects.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including digging equipment operators, can earn high wages depending on experience, specialization, and location. The highest-paid operators typically work in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators in industries like oil and gas or construction, with annual salaries reaching over $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Advanced certifications and operating complex machinery can increase earning potential.

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 jobs pay 700 a day?

For a Digging Equipment Operator, high daily pay of around $700 is typically associated with experienced professionals working in construction, excavation, or heavy civil projects, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, and working in demanding environments. Such pay rates are common for unionized or highly skilled operators with extensive experience and often involve overtime or long shifts.

What is the top pay for an Excavator Operator?

The top pay for an excavator operator can reach up to $30 to $40 per hour or more, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand construction or industrial environments.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Reston, VA? For Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:
Digging Equipment Operator jobs near you
Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

NTI Connect LLC

Manassas, VA • On-site

$22.75 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: HDD Locator (Horizontal Directional Drilling Locator)

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: HDD Foreman

Location: Manassas VA

If being a part of a world-class organization that operates in some of the most advanced technological environments around the world sounds like a dream job, Network Connex might be the right fit for you! You’ll be part of a team working together to solve customer problems every day, with compensation and benefits that are an investment in your career, financial future, and overall well-being.

Position Summary

The HDD Locator is responsible for monitoring and guiding horizontal directional drilling operations by accurately reading and interpreting locating equipment. This role ensures bore paths are completed safely, efficiently, and according to engineered design. The Locator works closely with the HDD Operator, Foreman, and field crew to avoid underground utilities, maintain proper depth and alignment, and ensure successful completions of pilot bores and pullbacks.

Key Responsibilities

Locating & Bore Guidance

  • Operate and interpret HDD locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction.
  • Communicate continuous drilling feedback to the HDD Operator.
  • Guide bores according to design specifications, prints, and utility locates.
  • Adjust bore path in real-time to avoid conflicts with existing underground utilities.

Safety & Compliance

  • Maintain strict adherence to OSHA, company, and industry safety standards.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
  • Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure.
  • Assist with potholing, hand-digging, and exposure of utilities as required.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Record bore logs, depth measurements, shots, and tracking information.
  • Assist with as‑built documentation and production records.
  • Report deviations, obstructions, or abnormal conditions to the Foreman.

Construction Support

  • Assist with setup of drilling equipment, mud systems, and work areas.
  • Support the crew during pullback, reaming, and equipment movement activities.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized job site.

Equipment Care

  • Maintain locating equipment (transmitters, receivers, batteries, chargers) in good working order.
  • Perform daily function checks to ensure accuracy and calibration.
  • Report equipment issues immediately.

Required Qualifications

Experience

  • 1–3 years of locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
  • Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred.
  • OSP telecommunications experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of bore planning, underground utilities, and safe digging practices.
  • Ability to read construction prints, utility locates and bore path designs.
  • Excellent communication skills for real-time coordination with the Operator.
  • Strong situational awareness and problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to work in fast‑paced outdoor environments.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL preferred).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
  • Manufacturer training on locating equipment (preferred).

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly.
  • Work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
  • Ability to walk long distances, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in trenches, near roadways, and around active equipment.

Work Environment

  • Outdoor construction environments with exposure to weather, heavy equipment, mud, and traffic.
  • Travel between job sites may be required.

In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health and you can begin participating in our programs on the first of the month following your start date.

Join our Vanguard 401(k) plan, with immediate vesting and a generous 5% company match to help you build long-term financial security. Our team also enjoys 10 paid company holidays, a generous PTO accrual schedule, and access to discounts on useful products and services.


EEOC-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran 

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.