ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavation Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavation Operator Location: Donaldsonville, LA Operate and maintain heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations in a safe and efficient manner. Forgen is a leading geotechnical and ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

PBSGC Marine Group

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

PBSGC Marine Group

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

PBSGC Marine Group

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

PBSGC

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

PBSGC Marine Group

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Description The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA

Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavation Operator JobsExcavation Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Excavation Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do excavation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavation operator do?

An Excavation Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, and loaders to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites. They prepare sites for building, remove debris, and ensure trenches and foundations are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. The role requires knowledge of equipment operation, safety protocols, and site planning. Excavation Operators often work closely with site supervisors and other construction professionals to complete projects efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as an Excavation Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience in operating heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and GPS-based grade control systems, along with safety certifications like OSHA, are typically required. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work well in a team are essential soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and precise excavation work, which is critical for successful construction and infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges excavation operators face on the job and how can they be addressed?

Excavation Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance. Communication with site supervisors and other crew members is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when working near underground utilities or in high-traffic areas. Staying updated on safety protocols, conducting regular equipment inspections, and participating in ongoing training can help operators address these challenges and perform their role effectively.

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

AspectExcavation OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, landscaping, various sites
Job FocusOperating excavators for digging and trenchingOperating various heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, loaders

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, an Excavation Operator specializes primarily in excavators for digging and trenching tasks. A Heavy Equipment Operator has a broader scope, handling multiple types of machinery across different industries. Both require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial environments, but the Excavation Operator's focus is more specific to excavation projects.

How much do excavation operators earn?

Excavation operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators who operate heavy machinery like backhoes and bulldozers often have higher wages, especially if they work overtime or in high-demand areas.
Excavation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,439 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA • On-site

Forgen
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Forgenexternal

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Excavation Operator

Location: Donaldsonville, LA

Operate and maintain heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations in a safe and efficient manner.

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: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities
  • Participate in a drug-free workplace with a random drug testing program.
  • Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance.
  • Operate heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations, including, but not limited to, dozers, scrapers, loaders, excavators, compactors, etc. and other equipment to support a variety of operations.
  • 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 location for stockpiling or disposal.
  • Use hand-held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
  • Read and comply with safety plans, rules, maintenance instructions, training materials, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), warning tags, traffic signs and procedure manuals.
  • Abilities to work in challenging conditions and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Perform additional assignments and special projects as directed.
Basic Qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
  • The following experience is required:
    • Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.
    • Operator 2: 5+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.
    • Operator 3: 10+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.

Equal Opportunity

Forgen is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on any legally protected status.

Privacy Policy

At Forgen, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use your personal data to manage the recruitment process, including assessing your application, verifying information, and, if applicable, entering into an employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as background checks, and only where permitted by law. We implement appropriate security measures to safeguard your information and retain it only as long as necessary for recruitment and legal purposes.

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data, and to withdraw your consent at any time where applicable. For questions or to exercise your rights, please contact hr@forgen.com.

California Privacy Policy

Agency Policy

Apply