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Excavation Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Laredo, TX · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Dallas, TX · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Blakely, GA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Rome, GA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Be Seen First

Milling Machine Operator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Job Purpose The Milling Machine Operator operates equipment used for milling and removing existing ... We specialize in asphalt paving, land excavating, utilities, concrete, demolition, soil ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Showing results 41-60

Excavation Machine Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do excavation machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavation machine operator?

Excavation Machine Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, and loaders to dig, lift, and move earth or materials on construction sites. They are responsible for preparing sites for building, landscaping, or roadwork, ensuring that excavation tasks are performed safely and efficiently. Operators must have a good understanding of machinery, safety protocols, and site plans, and often work closely with construction crews and supervisors. Proper training and certification are typically required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation machine operator?

To thrive as an Excavation Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized equipment operation training or certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, and GPS or laser-guided systems is typically required. Attention to safety, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure efficient, precise, and safe excavation work, helping prevent accidents and ensuring project success.

What are the typical challenges faced by an excavation machine operator on a construction site?

Excavation Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews to ensure safety. They must remain alert to avoid damaging underground utilities or nearby structures, which requires attention to detail and careful coordination with site supervisors and utility locators. Operators also need to perform routine maintenance checks on their equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation throughout the project.

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

AspectExcavation Machine OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, landscaping, and infrastructure projects
Job DutiesOperate excavators for digging, trenching, and site prepOperate various heavy machinery like bulldozers, loaders, and excavators
Industry UsagePrimarily in excavation and trenching projectsBroader, including construction, mining, and forestry

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, an Excavation Machine Operator specializes in operating excavators for digging and site preparation, whereas a Heavy Equipment Operator handles a variety of machinery across multiple industries. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their specific duties and equipment focus differ.

How much do excavation machine operators earn?

Excavation machine operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas can earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

Is an excavation machine operator a stressful job?

Excavation machine operators often work in physically demanding environments with safety risks, which can contribute to job stress. The job requires focus, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes long or irregular hours, but stress levels vary depending on the worksite and individual experience.

What states have the most Excavation Machine Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Excavation Machine Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Machine Operator jobs?

For Excavation Machine Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Excavation Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Texarkana, AR • On-site

Loram
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Loram rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 284 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Brazil)
DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Machine Operator 1
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Operations
Reports to: Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE:
Machine Operator 1 (MO1), a field based position, is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing company railway maintenance and inspection equipment. This position can operate Loram's on track MOW equipment and/or on track vehicles with supervision in both operating and travel modes. In this role you may be assigned to various types of equipment platforms dependent on business needs and demands.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Safety Focused
  • Ability to lead a comprehensive and appropriate job briefing during operations shifts, maintenance shifts, and while conducting maintenance tasks.
  • Consistently follows safe work processes, procedures and rules
  • Understands on track safety and can explain specifics when asked
  • Able to locate all emergency equipment and demonstrate correct operation

Machine Operations and Technical Knowledge
  • Conducts machine inspections to identify problems, defects, changes, and hazards and communicates conditions to the operator or supervisor and performs common repairs as instructed. Provides accurate feedback that allows machine leadership to make maintenance decisions
  • Accurately records and reports common parts used to supervisor, including floor stock
  • Performs maintenance and repairs according to set schedules and policies
  • Accurately describes gauge and HMI functions as they relate to machine operation
  • Demonstrates the ability to document and complete daily field reporting, personal expense reporting, field lodging, and other administrative reporting as necessary

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:
  • Safety Awareness
  • Values Based
  • Learning on the Fly
  • Action Oriented
  • Listening
  • Personal Learning

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Brazil)
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Internal: 3+ Months Experience working with Loram equipment or equivalent in a 24/7 environment; Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications as noted in the general description for this role and Loram's career development matrix.
External: 2+ Years Demonstrated technical skills such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and machine operations. 2+ Years Demonstrated ability to learn communicate verbally and in writing and learn best practices
Licenses/Certifications: Maintain Railroad Certifications, CPR/First Aid, valid Driver's License
Slots - 1+ year experience Heavy equipment operator (Backhoe, Excavator, or alike). Heavy Maintenance/ Construction equipment maintenance. Basic administration computer skills. Working knowledge of data systems and remote equipment operations cellar or tethered.
Aurora - Minimum of 1 year computer or technology background. 1 year of working knowledge working with MS Windows. Preferred radiation experience. Commercial Driver's License or able to obtain a Class B.
PREEMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and role-specific assessments. Components may include DOT Physical Exam, Regulated (DOT) DS/BAT, Human Performance Evaluation (HPE), and Audiogram.
  • Position requires successful completion of an eVerifile/eRailSafe background check as required by Loram's railroad customers. Ongoing eligibility is subject to compliance with eRailSafe standards.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be conducted upon hire and annually thereafter in accordance with Loram's Driving Policy.
  • Successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • 100% travel, including international, using any method of transportation.
  • Ability to apply high levels of cognitive, analytical, retention and reasoning.
  • Excellent communication skills used within any social context.
  • Can stand, sit, walk, reach, balance, stoop, kneel, hear, taste and smell.
  • Can see up close, distances, colors and has use of peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Can tolerate variable and sometimes extreme physical conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment.

Loram determines compensation based on factors such as skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. Certain positions may be eligible for an annual bonus and paid time off in addition to base compensation.
Starting pay for the position is between $20.00 - $21.00
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Loram is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business need, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws in the countries where we operate, including the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, relevant U.S. federal, state, and local laws, Brazil's anti-discrimination provisions under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and Federal Constitution, India's Equal Remuneration Act and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Australia's Fair Work Act 2009 and applicable state and territory legislation, and Canada's human rights protections under the Canadian Human Rights Act and applicable provincial or territorial laws.
Benefits:
Benefits for this role include a comprehensive package with company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; wellness programs; basic life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life insurance; company paid short-term and long-term disability coverage; 401(k) retirement plan including an employer match of 150% up to the first 6% you contribute to the Plan; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); behavioral health support; and leaves of absence. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, payroll charity contributions, adoption assistance and optional plans such as legal, critical illness, and hospitalization.
Compensation:
Loram determines compensation based on factors such as skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. Certain positions may be eligible for an annual bonus and paid time off in addition to base compensation.
The pay range for this position is between $41,600-$56,300
This post is also available in: Portuguese (Brazil)
ABOUT
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is a global leader in track maintenance technology, services, and solutions for the railway industry. For over 70 years, Loram has delivered industry-leading innovation through cutting-edge rail grinding, ballast maintenance, and inspection systems - ensuring safer, more reliable, and cost-effective rail operations for customers worldwide.
Headquartered in Hamel, Minnesota, Loram operates in multiple locations across North America and supports Class I, regional, and commuter railroads with a full suite of services. Loram is known for its strong engineering culture, commitment to safety, and dedication to improving the performance of rail infrastructure through advanced technology and field-proven expertise.
Join a company that moves the world - and builds the future of rail.

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About Loram

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hamel, MN, US