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Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elite Earthworks

Operator 2-4

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$30/hr

THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL POSITION. Do not apply to this position if you do not have at least 3 ... Dozer, Loader (+- 0.4') with GPS (0.10') * Excavator (0.4') * Scraper (0.5') * Mini Ex (0.1') * ...

Mr. Rooter

Excavation Crew Member and Labor

Gladstone, OR · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Do you have the big-picture vision to see a well-paying, entry-level role as only the first step in ... mastery operating a mini-excavator and all other equipment, hold a Class A Commercial Driver ...

Washington City

Storm Water Operator

Washington, UT

$63.16K/yr

Performs a variety of entry level skilled duties related to city-wide stormwater operations ... Cleans storm water lines; excavates, repairs and replace storm water lines and mains; operates ...

Washington City

Storm Water Operator

Washington, UT · On-site

$43.18K - $63.16K/yr

Performs a variety of entry level skilled duties related to city-wide stormwater operations ... Cleans storm water lines; excavates, repairs and replace storm water lines and mains; operates ...

Veitusa

Vac Truck Operator

Rogers, MN · On-site

$21.25 - $27/hr

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Veit

Vac Truck Operator

Rogers, MN · On-site

$21.25 - $27/hr

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Washington City

Storm Water Operator I FT

Washington, UT · On-site

$43.18K - $63.16K/yr

Performs a variety of entry level skilled duties related to city-wide stormwater operations ... Cleans storm water lines; excavates, repairs and replace storm water lines and mains; operates ...

Blythe Construction Inc

Loader Operator

Yadkinville, NC · On-site

Operates various heavy equipment, such as dozers, scrapers, loaders, excavators, tractors, front ... This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience ...

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Entry Level Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do entry level excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Excavator Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, along with any required safety certifications. Familiarity with heavy equipment controls, routine maintenance procedures, and often OSHA safety standards or site-specific certifications is expected. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for working safely and efficiently on job sites. These competencies ensure safe operation, minimize equipment damage, and contribute to the smooth progress of construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level excavator operators during their first few months on the job?

Entry-level excavator operators often encounter challenges such as mastering precise equipment control, understanding job site safety protocols, and adapting to varying soil and weather conditions. Working in a team environment, they may also need to quickly learn communication practices with supervisors, spotters, and other heavy machinery operators. Overcoming these challenges typically involves hands-on training, asking questions, and closely following experienced colleagues to build confidence and competence.

What are entry level excavator operators?

Entry level excavator operators are individuals who operate excavators and similar heavy equipment, typically at the beginning of their careers. Their main responsibilities include digging, moving earth, and assisting with construction or landscaping projects. They usually work under the supervision of experienced operators and are expected to follow safety guidelines and site instructions. Training is often provided on the job, and formal certifications may be required depending on the employer and location.

What is the difference between Entry Level Excavator Operator vs Construction Laborer?

AspectEntry Level Excavator OperatorConstruction Laborer
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly a commercial driver's license (CDL)OSHA safety training, no specific certifications required
Work EnvironmentOperate heavy machinery on construction sitesAssist with various manual tasks on construction sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in excavation, grading, and site prepGeneral labor across multiple construction tasks

While both roles work on construction sites, the Entry Level Excavator Operator specializes in operating heavy machinery like excavators, requiring specific safety certifications. In contrast, Construction Laborers perform manual tasks and assist with various site activities without specialized machinery operation skills. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

More about Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs are:
Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 6% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Operator 2-4

Elite Earthworks

Murrieta, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

**$3000 HIRING BONUS FOR CARD CARRYING JOURNEYMAN**
Company Information:
Elite Earthworks and Engineering is seeking ELITE employees to join our team. Being ELITE means we maintain exceptionally high standards of quality, service, and performance, we are considered top-tier, distinguished, and admired within the industry. By joining this team you are joining a company that hires and trains ELITE individuals.
Are you ELITE?
Do you want to become ELITE?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Carefully read the ENTIRE JOB POSTING and select the level you wish to be evaluated in. Applications which do not demonstrate the skills and prerequisites for the level selected will be rejected. THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL POSITION. Do not apply to this position if you do not have at least 3 years of operating experience.
BASIC FUNTION:
The function of the Operator grade 2-4 is to operate heavy and light equipment to perform work as directed, completing tasks safely, accurately, and efficiently, according to plans.
Qualifications Operator 2:
  • Must be able to operate at least (3) pieces of equipment utilizing grading stakes and carry rough grade:
    • Skip Loader - +/- 0.2'
    • Skid Steer- +/- 0.2'
    • Motor Grader- +/- 0.2'
    • Track Dozer - +/- 0.5'
    • Rubber Dozer - +/- 0.5'
    • Loader - +/- 0.5'
    • Scraper - +/- 0.5'
    • Excavator or Mini Ex. - +/- 0.5' for excavator | +- 0.2' for mini
  • Must be able to maintain grade according to the plan with minimal re-work.
  • Must be able to operate independently to load dump trucks, haul trucks, trash/recycling bins, etc. without spilling material or damaging surrounding equipment or structures.
  • Must be able to operate with a variety of attachments such as breakers, thumbs, crypto claws, compaction wheels, rock buckets, or other similar attachments.
  • Must be able to read and understand grading stakes at an intermediate level.
  • Must be able to understand plans, blueprints, GPS file readouts, and other related information at an intermediate level.
  • Proper greasing and maintenance of breakers and attachments
  • Proper installations setup and connection of breakers and attachments.

Company Paid Training:
  • OSHA 30 Certification
  • First Aid/CPR/AED/Bloodborne Pathogens Certification - Red Cross
  • Machine GPS / Plan Reading and Understanding - Foreman.
  • Machine Specific Training - CAT / Manufacturer
  • Movement and handling of soil. (Processing, compaction) - Foreman
  • Soils Analysis and Classification for Construction
  • Able to read or learn to read survey stakes, blueprints, drawings, and grade markers
  • Able to learn, utilize, and train on company hand signals.
  • Wear mandated Personal Protection Equipment including safety boots, safety vest, gloves, uniform, and eye protection. (Prescription eye protection may be reimbursable)
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience operating heavy machinery is required.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of heavy construction, grading, demolition, and building construction is required.
  • Run Skiploader, Skidsteer, Mini Ex with little to no supervision. +- 0.025'
  • Must be able to read grade stakes
  • Work Autonomously with little to no supervision.

Qualifications Operator 3:
Prerequisites:
  • Must possess all the qualities of Operator 2 and the following:

Skills:
  • Must be able to operate (4+) pieces of equipment utilizing grading stakes and carry grade at a speed consistent with industry standard to the following:
    • Skip Loader (+- 0.10')
    • Skid Steer (inches)
    • Motor Grader (inches)
    • Dozer, Loader (+- 0.4') with GPS (0.10')
    • Excavator (0.4')
    • Scraper (0.5')
    • Mini Ex (0.1')
  • Productively load trucks in export operations while maintaining grade.
  • Creative and Proactive
  • Good Documentation Skills
  • Must be able to read and understand grading stakes at an advanced level.
  • Must be able to understand plans, blueprints, GPS file readouts, and other related information at an advanced level.
  • Listen and follow grade checker directions.
  • Must be able to complete the following grading operations:
    • Curb grade
    • Paving
    • Sidewalks
    • Basins
    • Slopes

Company Paid Training:
  • Cut/Fill Operations and methodology - Foreman
  • Keying, benching, filling, and slopes - Foreman

Qualifications Operator 4:
Prerequisites:
  • Must possess the qualities of Operator 2 and 3

Skills:
  • Must be able to operate three or more (3+) pieces of equipment and master at least one (1) utilizing grading stakes and carry grade in a productive and proficient manner within industry standards to the following tolerances:
    • Skip Loader (0.025')
    • Skid Steer (0.025')
    • Motor Grader (0.025')
    • Motor Scraper (0.3')
    • Dozer (+- 0.1')
    • Loader (+- 0.1')
    • Excavator (0.4')
    • Mini Ex (0.1')
  • Must be able to read and understand grading stakes at an expert level.
  • Must be able to understand plans, blueprints, GPS file readouts, and other related information at an expert level.
  • Ability to manipulate GPS models, sections, and other settings as necessary.
  • Operate machines on GPS automatic controls
  • Ability to construct fill slopes, grade cut slopes.

Leadership:
  • Able to be "left alone" on a job site and help run the site.
  • Willing and able to train and teach lower-tiered operators.
  • Providing constructive advice to the Foreman on means and methods of operation.
  • Conflict resolution Skills
  • Proven Team Leader
  • Ability to Make Complex/Immediate/Flexible Decisions
  • Strong Verbal Communication Skills

Company Paid Training:
  • Successful completion of an apprenticeship program (card carrying Journeyman)

What's in it for you!
  • Competitive compensation package!
  • Be apart of fun growing team!
  • Hard work that is recognized and rewarded by your employers!
  • Health Insurance Benefits!

Reporting Relationship:
The Operator reports to the Grade Checker, Foreman, or Field Superintendent.
Authorities:
The following are principal authorities granted to the Operator:
  • Exercise the responsibilities and perform the duties of this position. This includes full decision-making authority for all responsibilities and/or duties.

Principal Duties:
  • Comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
  • Conduct all activities in compliance with the Elite Earthworks code of conduct.
  • Create a positive work environment and attitude building supportive morale
  • Document "lessons learned" and share with other employees, as appropriate.
  • Enforce and adhere to ethical business practices.
  • Enforce and adhere to the codes of the company's Mission Statement.
  • Identify any issues to superior (document if possible).
  • Perform other duties as directed by the Grade Checker.
  • Report and correct unsafe working conditions.
  • Assist with interviewing and testing new employees as required.
  • Make recommendations for process improvements.
  • Assist in pipe laying operation.
  • Assist with, or execute, minor equipment repairs, including hoses, filters, fluid changes, cutting edges, etc.
  • Inspect all equipment for breakdowns daily.
  • Maintain all tools, repairing or replacing tools as required.
  • Operate rollers, loaders, watertrucks, dozers, and other types of operated equipment.
  • Perform basic machine maintenance, including fluid checks, oil and lube, greasing, etc. and mechanical repairs, daily and/or as necessary.
  • Read and understand stakes.
  • Work with lasers while operating equipment.
  • Report all equipment problems to supervisor.
  • Use all equipment properly and ensure safe work habits.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to promote EEE in order to generate interest in the company

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Elite Earthworks and Engineering (EEE) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: EEE is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at EEE are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. EEE will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. EEE encourages applicants of all ages.
DRUG FREE WORK PLACE:
Elite Earthworks and Engineering is a drug and alcohol free workplace. Applicants offered a position will be screened prior to first day of work and may be subject to randomized testing at any time.
**Hiring bonus subject to terms and conditions

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