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Dirt Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Finish Grade Dirt Foreman

Fort Myers, FL

$29.25 - $35.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Skilled in operating a variety of heavy equipment for grading and dirt work. * Knowledge of soil types, moisture conditioning, and compaction methods. * Strong leadership, problem-solving, and ...

Finish Grade Dirt Foreman

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$29.25 - $35.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Skilled in operating a variety of heavy equipment for grading and dirt work. * Knowledge of soil types, moisture conditioning, and compaction methods. * Strong leadership, problem-solving, and ...

Finish Grade Dirt Foreman

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$29.25 - $35.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Skilled in operating a variety of heavy equipment for grading and dirt work. * Knowledge of soil types, moisture conditioning, and compaction methods. * Strong leadership, problem-solving, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dirt Operator information

See Florida salary details

$24.7K

$42.6K

$65.8K

How much do dirt operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for dirt operator in Florida is $42,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,700.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dirt Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDirt OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, earthmoving projectsConstruction sites, earthmoving, demolition
Industry UsageCommon in construction, landscaping, miningCommon in construction, demolition, mining

The Dirt Operator and Excavator Operator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in construction and earthmoving projects. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: Dirt Operators typically handle various earthmoving machinery, while Excavator Operators specifically operate excavators. Both roles are essential in construction and mining industries, with similar safety training and certifications required.

What are some typical challenges dirt operators face when working on large construction sites?

Dirt Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating uneven terrain, working in varying weather conditions, and coordinating with other heavy equipment operators to maintain site efficiency and safety. Managing tight project deadlines and adapting to unexpected site conditions, like soil instability or underground obstacles, are also common. Effective communication with supervisors, surveyors, and other team members is essential to ensure tasks are completed accurately and safely.

What is a dirt operator?

Dirt Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, to move, grade, and level earth on construction sites. Their primary responsibilities include preparing land for building foundations, roads, and other infrastructure projects. Dirt Operators must understand site plans, follow safety protocols, and maintain their equipment. This role is critical in the construction industry, ensuring that projects begin with a properly prepared site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dirt operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dirt Operator, you typically need experience in heavy equipment operation, knowledge of site grading, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, GPS grading systems, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations on construction sites. These competencies are crucial for maintaining project timelines, ensuring safety, and delivering high-quality earthmoving results.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Dirt Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Dirt Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Dirt Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,560 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Dirt Crew Excavator Operator

Vallencourt Construction Co., Inc.

Green Cove Springs, FL • On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Vallencourt Construction rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dirt Crew Excavator Operator- caters towards digging ponds, shaping swale and ditching. 

  • Effectively completes excavation and related task such as backfilling excavations and breaking concrete or rock using appropriate equipment.
  • Reshaping a sites terrain by digging and moving quantities of earth or rock. 
  • Conducts routing inspections before operating equipment to identify needed maintenance or repairs.
  • Perform a variety of task involving physical labor 
  • Operate hand and power tools.
  • Work is performed under various field and weather conditions
  • Must be able to list 50 lbs carry, stand, walk, climb, kneel, bend, twist, push and pull.
  • Must  wear required PPE as per safety manual and OSHA regulations.
  • Work weekends if requested by Foreman
  • Communicate effectively with Foreman
  • Must have reliable transportation to transport self to the jobsites. 
  • Jobsites range anywhere from 10-80 miles in one direction
  • Must be DRUG FREE
  • Medical Drug cards are NOT accepted

What Vallencourt Construction employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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