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Earth Moving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CDL Driver

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$900 - $1.8K/wk

Operate belly dump trucks for sitework, construction, and earth-moving projects. * Operate paver or lowboy for sitework, construction, and earth-moving projects. * Operate goosneck or fuel trailer ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Valid driver's license and be able to operate a variety of earth moving equipment such as dozer, excavator etc.. Must be able to travel to job sites in neighboring states. **Room and per-diem ...

Uses excavating machinery to dig holes, trenches & earth moving efforts. * Transports tools, pipe & equipment to and from work sites. * Operates machinery used in preparation for phosphate mining in ...

Operate belly dump trucks for sitework, construction, and earth-moving projects. * Operate paver or lowboy for sitework, construction, and earth-moving projects. * Operate goosneck or fuel trailer ...

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Knowledge of loading and unloading all types of equipment, from large earth moving equipment to rental industry equipment. Self starter, motivated individual who can go through the day without drama.

Showing results 21-40

Earth Moving information

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$10

$18

$24

How much do earth moving jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for earth moving in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an earth moving job?

Earth moving jobs involve the operation of heavy machinery to move, remove, or shape large amounts of earth or soil, typically for construction or mining projects. Workers in this field may operate equipment like bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and loaders to prepare sites for building, roadwork, or landscaping. These jobs require good physical fitness, attention to safety protocols, and often, specialized training or certification for operating machinery. Earth moving is a crucial part of the construction and mining industries, ensuring that sites are properly prepared for further work.

What are some common challenges faced when operating earth moving equipment, and how can they be managed?

Operators of earth moving equipment often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating uneven or unstable terrain, and managing equipment maintenance. To overcome these, safety protocols must be strictly followed, regular equipment inspections are essential, and clear communication with site supervisors and other team members helps ensure efficient workflow. Continuous training on new technologies and safety practices can also help operators adapt and reduce risks on the job.

What is the difference between Earth Moving vs Excavator Operator?

AspectEarth MovingExcavator Operator
CredentialsHeavy equipment operator license, certifications in earth movingOperator license, specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscapingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Job RoleGeneral operation of various heavy machinery for earth movementOperate excavators for digging, trenching, lifting

Earth Moving is a broad term covering various heavy machinery operations for relocating soil and materials, while Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators specifically. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or mining environments, but Earth Moving encompasses a wider range of equipment and tasks.

How do you become an earth mover?

To become an earth mover, you typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, obtain on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, and acquire a commercial driver's license (CDL) if operating large equipment. Many employers also require certification in heavy equipment operation from organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or similar bodies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in earth moving, and why are they important?

To thrive in Earth Moving, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with operating equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, as well as knowledge of GPS or grade control systems, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and help maintain project timelines and site safety standards.
More about Earth Moving jobs
What cities are hiring for Earth Moving jobs? Cities with the most Earth Moving job openings:
What states have the most Earth Moving jobs? States with the most job openings for Earth Moving jobs include:
Infographic showing various Earth Moving job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (CIP Park Construction/Two Positions Available)

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM

$46K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


City Of Albuquerque rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary Operate and maintain very large, very heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations, including, but not limited to, tankers, dozers scraper, loaders, mobile compost mixers, compost window turner, 18 wheel tractor-trailers, crane, excavator, etc. used in earth moving operations; perform excavating, grading, loading, compacting, mixing, scraping and minor mechanical maintenance and repairs. This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Operate very large, very heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations, including, but not limited to, tankers, dozers scraper, loaders, mobile compost mixers, compost turner, 18 wheel tractor-trailers, crane, excavator, etc. and other equipment to support a variety of operations at City facilities.

May build, level and excavate roads and land surfaces using graders and other construction equipment. Gather and load dirt and waste products from job sites onto trucks; transport to appropriate location. May bulldoze hill sides; collect and haul trash, garbage, debris, dirt, sand and gravel.

May operate earth moving equipment, back-hoe, front-end loader, dump trucks, etc. to perform tasks. May operate water tanker and similar equipment for dust control and dirt compaction.

May operate plow and salt truck for snow and ice removal, may act as a primary snow team member operating snow blowers and snow plows with brooms and or blades. May operate regenerative air sweepers, high-speed and runway sweepers and other airfield equipment as necessary. May operate and maintain windrow aeration/composting related equipment.

Change, adjust, replace and/or repair sludge spreading implements. Use hand-held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources. Maintain accurate logs and records.

Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures; maintain effective communications with communications tower. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Perform preventive maintenance on equipment as required. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. High school diploma or GED; and Four (4) years of heavy equipment operation and heavy equipment maintenance experience. One year (1) technical crew lead experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B. Possession of a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Preferred Knowledge Operational characteristics of a variety of heavy, power-driven equipment Maintenance requirements of heavy, power-driven equipment Methods and materials used in general construction and maintenance work Principles and techniques of field maintenance activities Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in heavy equipment operations Occupational hazards and standard safety practices Preferred Skills and Ability Operate the most heavy power-driven equipment Perform a variety of skilled construction and maintenance tasks Read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications and technical manuals Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods in unfavorable ether conditions Work independently in the absence of supervision Understand and follow oral and written instructions Prepare written reports and/or forms Effectively communicate with communications tower Communicate clearly and concisely Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required Working Conditions Environmental: Travel from site to site; construction site environment; exposure to dust, noise, toxic materials; waste and infectious materials; work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical: Essential and supplemental functions requires maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy lifting and climbing; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; work in confined spaces; work at heights; work around heavy construction equipment.


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