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Excavating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavating Foreman

Lancaster, PA ยท On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Excavating Foreman Join our dynamic team at Horst Excavating, where we are seeking skilled foremen with excavation experience to contribute to our ongoing success. Whether you're an experienced ...

Excavating Superintendent

Lancaster, PA ยท On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Excavation Superintendent Join Our Team at Horst Excavating! Are you ready to apply your leadership and managerial skills to oversee daily operations of diverse projects, from planning through ...

Excavation Superintendent Join Our Team at Horst Excavating! Are you ready to apply your leadership and managerial skills to oversee daily operations of diverse projects, from planning through ...

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Excavating information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Excavating jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavating jobs? Cities with the most Excavating job openings:
What states have the most Excavating jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavating jobs include:
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Equipment Dispatcher (Independence Excavating)

Equipment Dispatcher (Independence Excavating)

Independence Excavating

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Equipment Dispatcher
Are you ready to take your career to the next level with Independence Excavating? We are seeking a dynamic Equipment Dispatcher to join our team and lead the charge in ensuring planning and tracking of equipment resources, compliance, team collaboration, and ensuring safety regulations are followed.
Who is IX?
From breaking ground to the finished project, our team has been laying the groundwork for excellence on heavy civil construction and demolition projects for over 65 years. We combine innovations of industry with decades of successfully completed projects, proving we are a value-added partner from the ground up! Over six decades, Independence Excavating has established a team of construction professionals that sets us apart from other contractors. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.indexc.com/
What do we believe in?
PEOPLE:
Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.
PERFORMANCE:
Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.
COMMUNITY:
Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Schedule and dispatch heavy equipment, or other assets, to appropriate locations according to requests and specifications. Prepare daily work and run schedules.
  • Responsible for DOT and fleet safety regulatory compliance.
  • Oversee all communications and relay messages and information to or from leadership and work crews.
  • Work with leadership in order to address questions, problems, and requests for service or equipment.
  • Collaborate with heavy shop for necessary repairs in order to restore service and schedules.

Do you have what it takes?
  • Preferred 5+ years of dispatch experience with heavy equipment and other assets
  • Knowledge of DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Rule & Regulations, state regulations regarding height and weight maximums.
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task across several projects.
  • Solid Computer Competency; Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel and Word.
  • Self-motivated with effective leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of winch operations, hazmat transport and placarding.
  • Knowledge of hydraulics, electronics, gas and diesel heavy machinery.

Why IX?
  • Weekly Competitive Pay!
  • Excellent Benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • FSA & HSA
  • Life Insurance + Optional Family Life Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability
  • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • 401(k) + Company match
  • Paid corporate training program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stability and a variety of different roles that provide a path to career advancement
  • Family-owned and operated since 1956

Independence Excavating, Inc.is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value workplace diversity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.