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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Wildcat Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth ... Become familiar with digging plans and with efficient and safe digging procedures * Observe hand ...

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Utilities Tradesman

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$27.55 - $39.53/hr

Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock ... KDHE wastewater operator license, preferred * Pipe fusing certified, preferred * Universal EPA ...

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Utilities Tradesman

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$27.55 - $39.52/hr

Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock ... KDHE wastewater operator license, preferred * Pipe fusing certified, preferred * Universal EPA ...

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Utilities Tradesman

Topeka, KS · On-site

$27.55 - $39.52/hr

Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock ... KDHE wastewater operator license, preferred * Pipe fusing certified, preferred * Universal EPA ...

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Utilities Tradesman

Topeka, KS · On-site

$27.55 - $39.53/hr

Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock ... KDHE wastewater operator license, preferred * Pipe fusing certified, preferred * Universal EPA ...

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc

Traveling Concrete Laborer

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... digging trenches, and operating hand and power tools * Maintain a clean and safe work environment * Follow safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment * Collaborate with site ...

Bettis Companies

General Laborer

Topeka, KS

$19.75/hr

Digging trenches, removing filling, and/or compacting earth with use of shovels and rakes ... equipment, including safe operating practices and signs of maintenance issues * Excellent time ...

Bettis Companies LLC

General Laborer

Topeka, KS · On-site

$19.75/hr

Digging trenches, removing filling, and/or compacting earth with use of shovels and rakes ... equipment, including safe operating practices and signs of maintenance issues * Excellent time ...

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Digging Equipment Operator information

See Topeka, KS salary details

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How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging equipment operator in Topeka, KS is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Topeka, KS?

For Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Topeka, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Topeka, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Digging Equipment Operator jobs in Topeka, KS are:

What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:

Digging Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digging Equipment Operator job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,489 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sherwood Companies

Topeka, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Sherwood Companies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Wildcat has the ability to self-perform many types of civil construction including earthwork and site prep, concrete and asphalt paving, civil and structural concrete, rock excavation, piling and sheet piling, sub-grade stabilization, and water/waste-water treatment facilities. We also have a tremendous amount of experience with all underground utilities including sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer, and main electrical distribution.

The Sherwood Companies have a proven track record of completing a variety of projects from General Construction, to Construction Management and Design Build Projects for both public and private owners. A brief summary of the types of projects include, urban expressways, bridges, underground utilities, dam construction, asphalt/concrete paving and water/wastewater treatment plants. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth, applying concrete, asphalt or other materials to road beds or equipment used for tamping gravel, dirt or other materials. The incumbent will need to operate in a safe and efficient manner following all personal protective equipment (PPE) and process requirements. Travel may be required.

BENEFITS

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Accident and Cancer Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability
  • 401(k) with match
  • Yearly boot reimbursement
  •  Referral bonus program

ACTIVITIES/TASKS/SCOPE

  • Keep work area clean, orderly and safe
  • Could operate graders, roller, booms, dozers, scrapers, blades, loaders, etc. to move and grade earth
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders or backhoes
  • Perform minor maintenance and adjustments on equipment
  • Understand the use of equipment in various jobs such as: trenching, excavating, loading, leveling, rough grading and finishing
  • Become familiar with digging plans and with efficient and safe digging procedures
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes or other markings when operating machines to work can be performed to specifications
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete
  • Move materials over short distances
  • Other duties as assigned

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR COMPETENCIES

  • Work Standards
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Initiating Action
  • Adaptability
  • Contributing to Team Success
  • Managing Work (Time Management)
  • Communication

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • High School or Degree or GED required
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • 2-3 years of experience of heavy equipment operation in heavy highway or farm experience preferred

CERTIFICATION/OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools
  • Mathematics
  • Operation monitoring
  • Control precision
  • Depth perception
  • Manual dexterity
  • Reaction time
  • Coordination

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, walk, climb ladders, reach, grasp, push/pull, twist, and lift heavy objects (50 lbs.)
  • Safe negotiation of uneven terrain in various weather conditions
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to effectively verbally communicate, see close and at distances, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements.

What Sherwood Companies employees say

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