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Excavator Apprentice Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Emerysapp

Grade Checker -TUCSON

Tucson, AZ

Rummel Construction, Inc. is a Heavy Civil General Contractor specializing in mass excavation and ... We take pride in our in-house training and apprenticeship programs . CONSTRUCTION GRADE CHECKER ...

Komatsu

Field Technician

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Large excavators (PC2000 and above) * Dozers (D375 and above) * Apply advanced knoweldge of ... Completion of an accredited apprenticeship or 1 year technical college program is a plus.

Emerysapp

Heavy Equipment Mechanic - 2nd Shift

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$26.25 - $34.50/hr

Rummel Construction, Inc. is a Heavy Civil General Contractor specializing in mass excavation and ... We take pride in our in-house training and apprenticeship programs . HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC ...

Emerysapp

Push Pull Scraper Operator

Scottsdale, AZ

Rummel Construction, Inc. is a Heavy Civil General Contractor specializing in mass excavation and ... We take pride in our in-house training and apprenticeship programs . HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR ...

Emerysapp

Heavy Equipment Mechanic - 2nd Shift

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$26.25 - $34.50/hr

Rummel Construction, Inc. is a Heavy Civil General Contractor specializing in mass excavation and ... We take pride in our in-house training and apprenticeship programs . HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC ...

Emerysapp

Finish Dozer Operator

Scottsdale, AZ

Rummel Construction, Inc. is a Heavy Civil General Contractor specializing in mass excavation and ... We take pride in our in-house training and apprenticeship programs . FINISH DOZER OPERATOR (D6 ...

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Excavator Apprentice information

What can I expect from the typical training and mentorship process as an excavator apprentice?

As an Excavator Apprentice, you will typically begin with hands-on training under the supervision of experienced operators. You'll learn essential skills such as machine operation, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. Apprentices often rotate through different job sites to gain exposure to various tasks and conditions, and regular feedback from mentors helps you improve your technique and understanding. This collaborative environment allows you to gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop.

What is an excavator apprentice?

An Excavator Apprentice is an entry-level worker who is learning to operate excavators and other heavy equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. Apprentices receive on-the-job training and may also attend classroom instruction to learn about safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and proper operating techniques. The goal of the apprenticeship is to gain the skills and experience needed to become a qualified excavator operator. Duties often include assisting with digging, grading, and site preparation on construction projects. Over time, apprentices take on more responsibilities as they progress through their training.

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

To thrive as an Excavator Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of construction safety, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment, basic hand tools, and willingness to earn OSHA safety certifications are common requirements. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help apprentices work effectively with experienced operators and crews. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, learning proper techniques, and progressing in the construction industry.

How do you get a job as an excavator apprentice?

To become an excavator apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs may require a valid driver's license. You can apply through construction companies, unions, or apprenticeship programs that provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction in operating heavy equipment like excavators.

What is the difference between Excavator Apprentice vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectExcavator ApprenticeHeavy Equipment Operator
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, possibly a basic certificationCommercial driver's license (CDL), certification in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, training environmentsConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, contractorsConstruction firms, mining companies, government agencies

Excavator Apprentices typically undergo training and gain experience operating excavators under supervision, focusing on skill development. Heavy Equipment Operators have more advanced certifications and experience, often operating multiple types of machinery independently. While apprentices are in training, operators are fully qualified workers. Both roles are essential in construction projects, but the apprentice role is a stepping stone toward becoming a certified heavy equipment operator.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Apprentice jobs in Arizona? For Excavator Apprentice jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Apprentice jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Apprentice jobs in Arizona are:
Excavator Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Apprentice job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Excavator / Trackhoe Operator - Phoenix, AZ

Sundt

Tempe, AZ

$39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Sundt rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join Sundt, one of Arizona's leading builders and be part of a high-profile industrial project with long-term opportunities for skilled craftsmen. We're looking for experienced excavator / trackhoe operators for heavy commercial/industrial construction. Pay rate is $39 per hour with an additional cash fringe.

What we offer: 
Highly competitive pay, 40+ hours minimum per week with overtime opportunities, long term full time employment, and the opportunity to work with an experience and professional team. Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug screening and reliable transportation.


If you take pride in your craftsmanship, value safety, want consistent work with career growth, while working with a team that builds complex concrete structures, we'd like to hear from you.

Job Summary

Safely operates a variety of heavy equipment, not limited to; backhoes, excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, haul trucks, dump trucks, water trucks.  Will be responsible for preventative maintenance and pre-shift walk around of the assigned equipment to assure safe operation.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Maintain positive working relationships with all members of the crew.
  2. Produce high quality work, safely and productively at all times.
  3. Provide feedback to ensure all materials, tools, equipment and information is available for the work.
  4. Look for opportunities for improvement in all tasks, means and methods regarding the work and be willing to learn from others.
  5. Continually seek opportunities to share knowledge and teach others.
  6. High proficiency in all related equipment preventative maintenance.
  7. Inspect subordinates work, ensure accuracy and compliance with plans and specifications, explain deficiencies and take any necessary corrective action.
  8. Eliminate WASTE such as waiting, rework, transporting, material storage and time.

Minimum Job Requirements

  1. Must have a minimum of three years (level I), four years (level II), five years (level III) and six plus years' experience in the industrial/commercial construction industry and have an in-depth understanding of the operation of various types of heavy construction equipment.
  2. Must be able to read and understand drawings, specifications, safety and quality standards and effectively utilize all trade tools and equipment relevant to the work.
  3. Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.

Note: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

  1. Work up to a 12 hour shift doing hard physical work in varying temperatures and outside conditions.
  2. Will climb and maintain balance on steel/wood framework, stairs, ladders and scaffolds.
  3. Will lift, push or pull objects up to 50lbs. on an occasional basis.
  4. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  5. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  6. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  7. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  8. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat,  vest, etc.)
  9. Move in and around confined, cluttered and uneven areas.

Safety Level

     Safety-Sensitive

Note: Jobs with the Safety-Sensitive designation are those that include tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others such as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing/maintaining the operation of any vehicle/equipment, the handling/disposal/transport of hazardous materials, or the handling/treatment/disposal of potentially flammable/combustible materials.

As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company, you're joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you'll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we're passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.

At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We're driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.

Benefit list:
  • Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
  • Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
  • Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Workplace Wellness Programs
  • Mental Health Program
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee-Owner Perks
  • Educational Assistance
  • Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program

What Sundt employees say

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