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Excavation Crew Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Morgan Corp.

Pipe Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

Must have experience of operating excavators on a utility crew * Must be able to climb in and out of equipment unassisted * Must have and maintain a valid driver's license * Frequently lift 20 pounds ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Yardnique, Inc.

Ehancements Crew Leader

Apex, NC · On-site

... mini excavator Ø Plant replacements Ø Drainage Ø Brush cutting and pruning Ø Grading and sod ... crew truck and trailer, hand tools, pruners, blowers, and equipment including but not limited to ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew * Perform operator level maintenance on the machine * Understand safe working loads and signals * Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes WHAT WE ARE ...

BrightView Landscapes

Enhancement Crew Leader

Durham, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

The Crew Leader Enhancement oversees landscape enhancement and maintenance of a crew of 2 or more ... Experience running equipment (skid steer, excavator, backhoe, etc.) * Able to read architectural ...

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All JobsExcavation Crew JobsExcavation Crew Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Excavation Crew information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do excavation crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation crew in Raleigh, NC is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Excavation Crew vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectExcavation CrewHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA safety training, OSHA 10/30-hourOSHA safety training, OSHA 10/30-hour, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, trenches, excavation zonesConstruction sites, operating machinery like excavators, bulldozers
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, utility projectsConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Excavation Crew typically consists of laborers and helpers performing manual tasks in excavation sites, while Heavy Equipment Operators specialize in operating large machinery like excavators and bulldozers. Both roles are essential in construction projects, often working together, but they differ in skills, certifications, and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by members of an excavation crew and how are they typically addressed?

Members of an excavation crew often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and changing weather. These issues are typically addressed through thorough site surveys, regular safety briefings, and close coordination with project managers and utility companies. Team members are expected to communicate openly and adapt quickly, which helps maintain safety and project timelines. Continuous training and teamwork play a key role in overcoming these daily challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavation Crew member, you need knowledge of site preparation, heavy equipment operation, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with excavators, loaders, trenchers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew members and ensuring job site safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for completing projects efficiently, maintaining safety standards, and preventing costly errors or accidents.

What does an excavation crew do?

An excavation crew is responsible for digging, moving, and removing earth or soil to prepare sites for construction or other projects. Their work often involves operating heavy machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators to create foundations, trenches, or clear areas for utilities and landscaping. Safety is a key part of their job, as they must follow strict guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure the stability of surrounding structures. Excavation crews also read blueprints and collaborate with other construction professionals to ensure the project meets specifications and timelines.

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Crew jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Excavation Crew jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavation Crew jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavation Crew jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Excavation Crew jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Excavation Crew job openings:

Excavation Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Crew job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,269 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Garney Construction

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION

An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may perform functions of a laborer as required.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew
  • Perform operator level maintenance on the machine
  • Understand safe working loads and signals
  • Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Five years of construction experience
  • Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance
  • Must be able to work overtime
  • Must be willing to travel
LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
  • Student loan resources
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
  • Free life insurance and disability policy
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
CONTACT US

If you are interested in the Excavator Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visitcareers.garney.com 

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Anthony Martinez at 407-395-7674 or by email anthony.martinez@garney.com and include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates.

Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace. You may be required to complete a post-offer physical and a site-specific background check for this position.

Agency Disclaimer:  All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding.  Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.

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