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Excavation Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ... working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible ...

GF Transport

Excavation Laborer

Fortville, IN · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Position Summary The Excavation Laborer supports site development and earthwork operations by ... Working around heavy equipment and truck traffic · Travel to various jobsites within Indiana ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ... working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

Donaldsonville, LA

... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ... working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

South Bay, FL

... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ... working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible ...

Forgen

Excavation Laborer

South Bay, FL · On-site

... excavation and/or hand excavation of contaminated soils. * Perform numerous manual duties ... working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible ...

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Excavation Worker information

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How much do excavation worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation worker in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are excavation workers?

Excavation workers are skilled laborers who prepare sites for construction by digging, moving, and removing earth, rock, and other materials. They operate heavy machinery and use hand tools to create foundations, trenches, and tunnels needed for building projects. Their work is essential to ensuring that construction projects have a stable and safe base. Excavation workers must follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain site integrity.

What is the difference between Excavation Worker vs Construction Laborer?

AspectExcavation WorkerConstruction Laborer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, general construction safety
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryVarious construction sites, indoor and outdoor tasks
Job DutiesOperate excavation equipment, site preparationAssist with general construction tasks, material handling

Excavation Workers focus on operating heavy machinery and preparing sites for construction, while Construction Laborers perform a broader range of manual tasks. Both roles require safety certifications and work in outdoor construction environments, but their specific duties differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an Excavation Worker, you need a solid understanding of construction site safety, equipment operation, and soil handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient site operations. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining job site safety, meeting project deadlines, and preventing costly errors or accidents.

What are some common challenges Excavation Workers face on a job site, and how can they be addressed?

Excavation Workers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety around heavy machinery, and dealing with unexpected underground utilities or soil types. Addressing these issues involves thorough site assessments, regular safety training, and clear communication with site supervisors and utility companies. Staying adaptable and following established safety protocols help ensure projects remain on schedule and minimize risks.
More about Excavation Worker jobs
What states have the most Excavation Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavation Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavation Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavation Worker jobs are:
Excavation Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,266 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Excavation Laborer

Excavation Laborer

Forgen

Donaldsonville, LA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 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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