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Excavating Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA

Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance. * Assist with excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance. * Assist with excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA

Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance. * Assist with excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA

Excavation, grading and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment. * Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA

$16.75 - $23/hr

Excavation, grading and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment. * Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Excavation, grading and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment. * Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Excavation, grading and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment. * Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ...

Forgen

Dozer Operator

Donaldsonville, LA

Excavation, grading, and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment. * Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ...

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All JobsExcavating JobsExcavating Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Excavating information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in Baton Rouge, LA is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for excavator jobs?

Excavator operator jobs are in demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and urban development. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are sought after in many regions, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as these industries expand.

How much money can you make with an excavator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages.

What are excavating jobs?

Excavating jobs involve the removal of earth, rock, or other materials from a site to create space for construction, landscaping, or mining projects. Workers use heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes to dig foundations, trenches, or clear land. These jobs require knowledge of equipment operation, safety protocols, and the ability to read site plans. Excavating professionals often work on residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, contributing to the initial phases of building and development.

What is the difference between Excavating vs Demolition?

AspectExcavatingDemolition
Primary FocusDigging, earthmoving, site preparationBreaking down and removing structures
Skills & CertificationsOperating heavy machinery, safety trainingHeavy equipment operation, safety protocols
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoorConstruction, industrial, sometimes indoor
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsBuilding removal, renovation projects

Excavating involves earthmoving and site preparation, while demolition focuses on tearing down existing structures. Both roles require heavy machinery operation and safety certifications, but they serve different project needs within the construction industry.

How much do excavation people make?

Excavation workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $20 to $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators and those with specialized training can earn higher wages, especially when working with heavy machinery or in demanding environments.

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

Excavator Operators need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety regulations, and often require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant training or certification. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, hydraulic machinery, and maintenance tools is typically necessary for efficient work. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe excavation, prevent site accidents, and contribute to timely and precise project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by excavating professionals on construction sites?

Excavating professionals often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and adverse weather that can impact project timelines. Effective communication with project managers, utility companies, and other trades is essential to address these issues promptly and safely. Additionally, strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations is crucial, as excavation work carries significant risk. Working collaboratively within a team helps mitigate these challenges and ensures projects proceed efficiently.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of excavating, high-paying roles such as senior project managers or business owners can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large construction or infrastructure projects. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes ownership of equipment or companies. Most excavating jobs typically pay less, with top executives or entrepreneurs in the industry reaching higher income levels.
What are popular job titles related to Excavating jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Excavating jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavating jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Excavating jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Excavating jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Excavating job openings:
Excavating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,066 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Excavation Laborer

Forgen

Donaldsonville, LA

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Location: Donaldsville, LA

Position Summary

Execute general construction laborer duties.

Forgen Overview
Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are 
dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our 
core values of integrity, passion, teamwork, and smart work.

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in a drug-free workplace environment with a random drug testing program.
  • Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance.
  • Assist with excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils.
  • Perform numerous manual duties, including: the operation of both manual and mechanical clearing equipment, 
    operate power washer, direct traffic, general housekeeping, fuel equipment and other general construction tasks.
  • Read and comply with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which accompany all chemicals present at the hazardous waste 
    site.
  • Execute tasks from detailed written and oral instructions.
  • Use hand-held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
  • Read and comply with safety plans, rules, maintenance instructions, training manuals, MSDS's, warning tags, traffic 
    signs, and procedure manuals.
  • Willing to work extended hours.
  • Team player who can work independently.
  • Perform additional assignments and special projects as directed.

Basic Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
  • The following years of experience is required:
    • Laborer 1: Zero plus year of construction laborer experience.
    • Laborer 2: Two plus years of construction laborer experience.
    • Laborer 3: Five plus years of construction laborer experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • TWIC card holder preferred.
  • The following safety training is preferred, but not mandatory. Company will provide additional training, as necessary.
    • 40 Hour HAZWOPER training.
    • Competent Person Safety Training
    • 8-Hour Supervisory Training
    • 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training
    • First Aid and CPR

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, extended standing or walking on project sites, climbing in and out of equipment, 
and working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible exposure to heavy 
machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and extreme weather. Proper PPE, including protective eyewear, gloves, a 
hard hat, and steel-toed boots, is required. Effective communication, tool use, and adherence to safety protocols are 
essential.


This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional 
duties as needed. Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety 
risk

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