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Excavating Contractors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are a growing excavation contractor performing a wide variety of work, including road construction, underground utility installation, commercial site development, foundation excavation, grading ...

We are a growing excavation contractor performing a wide variety of work, including road construction, underground utility installation, commercial site development, foundation excavation, grading ...

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Excavating Contractors information

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How much do excavating contractors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating contractors in the United States is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Excavating Contractors face on job sites, and how can they be managed?

Excavating Contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and changing weather. Managing these issues typically involves thorough pre-site surveys, close coordination with utility companies, and flexibility in scheduling. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to safety protocols, and effective communication with project managers and other trades to keep projects on track and minimize delays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavating Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavating Contractor, you need expertise in site preparation, equipment operation, and an understanding of construction drawings, often supported by relevant licenses or certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help manage site challenges and coordinate effectively with crews and clients. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of excavation projects in compliance with regulations and client expectations.

What are excavating contractors?

Excavating contractors are professionals or companies that specialize in moving earth and preparing land for construction projects. Their work includes digging, grading, trenching, and site clearing to create foundations for buildings, roads, and utilities. They operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes to complete these tasks safely and efficiently. Excavating contractors play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects by ensuring the site is properly prepared before any building begins.

What is the difference between Excavating Contractors vs Excavation Laborers?

AspectExcavating ContractorsExcavation Laborers
CredentialsLicenses, certifications, experience in heavy equipmentBasic physical fitness, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationAssistants on construction sites, manual labor
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, excavation specialistsGeneral contractors, subcontractors

Excavating Contractors oversee excavation projects, operate heavy machinery, and manage entire excavation operations. Excavation Laborers perform manual tasks, assist with equipment, and support the contractors. While both work on construction sites, contractors handle planning and management, whereas laborers focus on physical labor.

More about Excavating Contractors jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavating Contractors jobs? Cities with the most Excavating Contractors job openings:
What states have the most Excavating Contractors jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavating Contractors jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavating Contractors jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavating Contractors jobs are:

Project Manager (Excavation & Utility Construction)

Wilson Excavating

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Construction Project Manager - Wilson Excavating

Build a career in heavy construction with one of the region's top contractors.

If you have a background in construction management in heavy civil/excavation projects and are looking for an opportunity to grow with an established contractor, Wilson Excavating may be the right next step for your career.

We are seeking a Construction Project Manager to join our operations team. In this role, you will provide overall management direction for major utility, pipeline, and excavation projects throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys analyzing plans, solving problems, and contributing to projects that build critical infrastructure in our communities.


Why Consider Wilson Excavating?
  • Provides a full range of excavating, pipeline, and utility contracting services across Pennsylvania and Ohio, specializing in gas, water, and sewer infrastructure projects.
  • Part of PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy Group family of construction companies, a Top 100 National Builder as ranked by the Engineering News-Record.

  • Recognized multiple times as one of Pittsburgh's "Best Places to Work"

  • Opportunity to work on large-scale infrastructure and utility projects

  • Stable company with strong growth and long-term career opportunities

Competitive Benefits Package

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits program including:

  • Competitive salary

  • Annual bonus and profit-sharing

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Short and Long-term Disability coverage

  • Career development and advancement opportunities


What You'll Do
  • Plan, organize, and staff key field positions through Vice President, Operations and/or executive management.
  • Establish project objectives, procedures, and performance standards within boundaries of corporate policy, including all project level administration and documentation.
  • Initiate and maintain liaison with prime client and A/E contacts to facilitate construction activities.
  • Monitor/control construction through administrative direction of on-site Superintendent to ensure project is built on schedule and within budget; investigate potentially serious situations and implement corrective measures. Monitor compliance with company's safety program.
  • Review contracts and contract language with executive management prior to execution.
  • Tailor and review subcontract and Purchase Order templates with executive management prior to issuance. Also review any requested modifications to subcontract and Purchase Orders with executive management prior to agreeing to changes.
  • Represent company in project meetings, assist in labor negotiations/strategy meetings, etc.
  • Manage financial aspects of contracts (fee payment, change orders, rental equipment, income/expenses, etc.) to protect company's interest and simultaneously maintain good relationship with clients.
  • Continually monitor the schedule and profitability of assigned project(s) and initiate corrective action immediately when problems arise.
  • Responsible for documentation and accuracy of quarterly profit projections for assigned project(s).
  • Responsible for training and continued development of those reporting to position.
  • Assume additional responsibilities as directed by corporate executives.

Qualifications:

Educational and experience requirements include: four-year engineering degree or equivalent, plus extensive (five or more years) experience/knowledge of construction, design, finance, and management required. Must be able to apply innovative and effective management techniques to maximize employee performance. Thorough understanding of corporate and industry practices, processes, standards, etc., and their impact on project activities vital; superior communication and interpersonal (tact, diplomacy, influence, etc.) skills essential. Significant business skills required.


Individuals with Disabilities: PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group wants all interested and qualified candidates to be able to use the career site to review and apply for employment opportunities. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this site, please contact us for assistance at 412.807.2000 or email us at careers@pjdick.com.
PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group strives to create a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment in which all teams can excel.
We are an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contracting Employer and welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates, including covered veterans, minorities, females, and people with disabilities. Our policy is clear: We do not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law.
To view our EEO policy, click here; to view our Section 503 and VEVRAA Affirmative Action Policy, click here.

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