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Entry Level Excavator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

William A. Hazel, Inc.

GPS Dozer Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Less than high school education required; entry level experience. Ability to apply commonsense ... Vision insurance If you'd like to apply to one of our excavator operator jobs, fill out the ...

Leidos

Junior Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

Construction experience, particularly involving mission-critical facilities, underground infrastructure, tunneling, or large-scale excavation projects. * Experience with design reviews, engineering ...

Leidos

Junior Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

Construction experience, particularly involving mission-critical facilities, underground infrastructure, tunneling, or large-scale excavation projects. * Experience with design reviews, engineering ...

Branch Civil

MECHANIC I (Heavy Equipment)

Chantilly, VA

$45K - $76K/yr

Position Summary Branch is searching for an entry-level and safety-oriented Mechanic to join our ... excavators, loaders, backhoes, graders, and haul trucks. This role works under close supervision of ...

The Branch Group

MECHANIC I (Heavy Equipment)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$45K - $76K/yr

Position Summary Branch is searching for an entry-level and safety-oriented Mechanic to join our ... excavators, loaders, backhoes, graders, and haul trucks. This role works under close supervision of ...

CDM Smith

Geotechnical Engineer 1

Fairfax, VA

CDM Smith is seeking an entry-level graduate to join our Geotechnical Engineering team in Fairfax ... excavation support systems and retaining structures, settlement, and ground improvement.

Schnabel Inc.

Staff Geostructural Engineer

Rockville, MD

$57K - $86K/yr

Professional development and tuition reimbursement Schnabel Engineering is seeking an entry level ... Our services include design of support of excavation (SOE) systems, underpinning of structures, geo ...

Schnabel Engineering

Staff Geostructural Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$57K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professional development and tuition reimbursement Schnabel Engineering is seeking an entry level ... Our services include design of support of excavation (SOE) systems, underpinning of structures, geo ...

CDM Smith

Geotechnical Engineer 1

Fairfax, VA · On-site

CDM Smith is seeking an entry-level graduate to join our Geotechnical Engineering team in Fairfax ... excavation support systems and retaining structures, settlement, and ground improvement.

All JobsExcavator JobsEntry Level Excavator JobsEntry Level Excavator Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Excavator information

See Washington salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do entry level excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level excavator in Washington is $29.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level excavators on the job?

Entry level excavators often encounter challenges such as adapting to different types of heavy equipment, learning site-specific safety protocols, and managing varying soil or weather conditions. You'll need to quickly become comfortable following precise instructions from supervisors and communicating effectively with coworkers to ensure tasks are completed safely. There can also be physical demands, including long hours outdoors and lifting or moving materials. However, these challenges present excellent learning opportunities and help you build valuable skills for career growth in the construction industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level excavator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Excavator, you need basic knowledge of heavy equipment operation, safety procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with operating excavators and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment operator cards is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure safe, efficient excavation work while reducing the risk of accidents and supporting team success on construction sites.

What is an entry level excavator?

An Entry Level Excavator job involves operating heavy machinery to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites under supervision. Responsibilities may include assisting with site preparation, following safety protocols, and maintaining equipment. This role typically requires basic equipment training, a willingness to learn, and physical stamina. Many employers provide on-the-job training for beginners.

How to get started as an entry level excavator

To start as an entry-level excavator operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation, and earn relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions helps build skills and understanding of construction sites and machinery. Familiarity with tools, safety protocols, and physical fitness are also important for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Excavator jobs in Washington?

For Entry Level Excavator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Excavator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Excavator jobs in Washington are:

Entry Level Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,622 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

GPS Dozer Operator

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

William A. Hazel rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

William A. Hazel, Inc., a total site development contractor for over 50 years, is looking for a Dozer Operator (GPS) for our Dirt Crew. This position reports to and is under the direction of foreman or superintendent. William A. Hazel, Inc., operates all over the Northern Virginia Area. By applying to this position, you acknowledge and understand you may be required to commute to job sites.
Essential Functions
• Operate heavy equipment equipped with a front mounted hydraulically powered blade to spread and push back materials by performing the following duties.
• Climb steps to enter machine. Start engine, push levers to move machine forward or reverse. Use hands to raise or lower blade, use feet to brake, or throttle machine. Use hands and feet to steer.
• Understand stakes/grades and be able to place on grade and check grade.
• Inspect machine daily; check all fluids and grease daily.
• Work around other machines and people.
• Place fill material in proper place.
• Help foreman/superintendent set stakes and grades.
• Raise/lower stakes and grades in cuts and fills by themselves.
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Less than high school education required; entry level experience. Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Less than high school education required; or up to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education experience. Ability to read a limited number of two- and three-syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers. Ability to print and speak simple sentences. Ability to add and subtract simple numbers and to multiply and divide. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money, weight measurement, volume and distance. Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standarized situations.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

If you'd like to apply to one of our excavator operator jobs, fill out the application linked to in the right-hand column and we will get back to you.
Salary: Hourly $24.00 to $38.00/hour
William A. Hazel, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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