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Dirt Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dirt Lab LLC

Be Seen First

Residential Dirt Work Equipment Operator

Rose Hill, KS · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Dirt Lab is looking for an experienced Residential Dirt Work Equipment Operator to join our crew. We are specifically looking for someone who has experience working in residential dirt work

Moore Industries

Dirt Equipment Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$35/hr

Dirt Equipment Operator Moore Industries is a 40-year industrial contractor delivering civil, industrial buildings, industrial HVAC, and facility maintenance services. In recent years, the company ...

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Dirt Operator information

See salary details

$33K

$57K

$88K

How much do dirt operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for dirt operator in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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What states have the most Dirt Operator jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Dirt Operator jobs look for?

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Dirt Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dirt Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,952 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Dirt

Martin Marietta

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Dirt Equipment Operator is a skilled role responsible for the operation of medium-to-heavy earthmoving and soil-conditioning equipment specifically for the preparation of roadbeds, parking lots, and other surfaces prior to asphalt or concrete application.

The Dirt Operator is expected to operate equipment with a high degree of precision, particularly in finish grading and sub-grade preparation. This individual ensures that the 'dirt' phase of the paving project meets exact specifications for slope, elevation, and compaction, directly impacting the quality and longevity of the final paved surface.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operate a variety of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, Motor Graders (finish grade), Dozers (with GPS/LPS integration), Backhoes, Skid Steers, and Pad-foot/Smooth Drum Rollers.
  • Execute fine grading of sub-grade and base materials to within strict tolerances (typically within 0.1 foot) to prepare for asphalt or concrete paving.
  • Efficiently spread, level, and smooth dirt, gravel, or stone to the required depth and slope.
  • Operate tamping and rolling equipment to ensure soil density meets engineering requirements, preventing future settling or pavement failure.
  • Read and interpret construction stakes, grade markers, and blueprints to determine cut-and-fill requirements without constant supervision.
  • Utilize and troubleshoot onboard grade-control technologies to maintain automated precision during the grading process.
  • Identify and avoid underground and overhead utilities (water, gas, electric) through the study of 'One-Call' markings and site maps.
  • Conduct thorough 'Walk-Around' inspections daily. Document and report any mechanical deficiencies, fluid leaks, or safety hazards to the maintenance department immediately.
  • Perform basic field maintenance, including greasing joints, cleaning tracks/undercarriages, checking oil/coolant levels, and ensuring cabs are kept in a professional, clean condition.
  • Assist in the loading and unloading of equipment onto lowboy trailers and secure loads according to DOT and company standards.
  • Adhere strictly to Martin Marietta’s 'Guardian Angel' safety culture. Ensure all tasks are performed in compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Actively participate in daily safety meetings. Identify potential hazards such as unstable slopes, blind spots, or ground crew proximity.
  • Assist in the setting up of work zone traffic control (cones, signs, flagging) to ensure a safe buffer between heavy machinery and public or site traffic.
  • Assist in the training of Operators and Laborers on safe machine operation and basic grading techniques.
  • Communicate effectively with dump truck drivers, laborers, and paving crews via hand signals or two-way radio to maintain a continuous, efficient workflow.

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

3–5 years of heavy equipment operation specifically in a dirt/grading or paving environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

OSHA compliance and regulations

Mechanical aptitude

Technical aptitude

Detail oriented

Time management

Effective communication (written and spoken)

Leadership

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Physical Requirements

You must be able to lift up to 50–75 lbs consistently. This is often required when changing equipment attachments, handling heavy tools, or moving materials by hand.

You must be able to climb on and off heavy machinery (graders, rollers, loaders) multiple times a day. Some sites may require climbing stairs/ladders up to 100 feet at plant locations.

Expect to sit and operate equipment for long hours.

Constant bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching around equipment to perform pre-shift inspections and grease moving parts.

Travel

On-site

Working Conditions

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

The hiring range for this position is $25 -$35 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.
 
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.
 
Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

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