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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

... Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery ... Consult with the Foreman prior to digging to verify any unidentified or unclear utility markings.

Apply Early

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Apply Early

Equipment Operator - Dirt Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe ...

Apply Early

Equipment Operator

State College, PA

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Equipment Operator ID: 1014 Location: State College, PA Operation: Construction More about this job ... Perform manual labor such as digging or shoveling, assisting with placement of pipe and material ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Equipment Operators work with specialized light construction equipment. They must be able to do ... Visually assess digging areas before the operation of construction equipment * Comprehend and make ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Equipment Operators work with specialized light construction equipment. They must be able to do ... Visually assess digging areas before the operation of construction equipment * Comprehend and make ...

Equipment Operator

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Candidate must have experience operating a backhoe and digging for concrete footings. * The ability to dig foundations, operate a skid loader, mini excavator, track hoe, track loader and forklisft is ...

Equipment Operator

Auburn, CA · On-site

$30.55 - $38.14/hr

... digging, plowing, mowing, hauling, and loading; assist in equipment maintenance by performing minor repairs and service tasks as needed. * Manually assist in resurfacing, oiling, and patching streets ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$25 - $28.50/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Company: Turner Staffing Group Location: Kershaw, South Carolina, USA ... Execute tasks such as grading, digging, loading, and transporting materials as per project ...

Apply Early

Heavy Equipment Operator Company: Turner Staffing Group Location: Montpelier, Virginia Position ... Execute tasks such as grading, digging, loading, and transporting materials as per project ...

Apply Early

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Digging Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 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.
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:
Equipment Operator - Dirt

Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's

Traverse City, MI

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Team Elmer's rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator. This position may operate several different equipment to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
  • Will operate a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Dig dirt using shovels and machinery.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
  • Set up or inspect the equipment before operation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Operate machinery to perform various activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site.
  • May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, clean up rubble and debris, and remove waste materials.
  • Read grades, lift and carry objects & materials of various weights.
  • Help maintain equipment by keeping it clean and in proper working order. Report any damaged or unsafe equipment to the foreman immediately.
  • Lubricate, adjust or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
  • Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
  • Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent the capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
  • Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
  • Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
  • Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
  • Drive machines to work sites.
  • Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
  • Know and follow all company safety policies including OSHA, MIOSHA, MSHA, and ANSI regulations.
  • Practice safety at all times including driving company vehicles or use of equipment. Use PPE while on the job site e.g. hard hat safety glasses, ear protection, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, pants, and gloves.
  • Take initiative and anticipate what needs to be done.
  • Work in conjunction and as a team with your crew.
  • May assist other craft workers.
  • Other duties as assigned

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

  • Valid license, CDL preferred, or the ability to obtain within one year
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Clean driving record for the past 5 years
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer
  • Ability to read stakes and grades
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and drawings
  • Competent in construction math
  • Ability to complete tasks like handling power tools, running heavy equipment, raking, and shoveling as needed.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and understand your role on the team.
  • Ability to work long hours and perform repetitive lifting, carrying, climbing, and walking. Repetitive lifting could be 40 or more pounds at any one time.
  • Ability to work long hours 5-6 days a week in all environmental conditions.
  • Good work ethic, punctuality, and alertness.
  • Mechanical -- Knowledge of equipment, machines, and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and Construction-- Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved with the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Ability to follow all company, DOT, OSHA, and MiOSHA safety rules.

"The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position."

EEO/AA


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