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Excavator Hour Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Dirt Work Foreman

Decatur, AL · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Excavators, Dozers, Off-road truck, etc.) * Leadership capabilities/qualities * Experience managing ... worker-hour requirements for completion of job, Perform additional assignments per supervisor ...

Showing results 21-26

Excavator Hour information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do excavator hour jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator hour in Decatur, AL is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery controls, safety regulations, and GPS or grade control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient operation, minimizing risk, and maintaining productivity on construction or excavation sites.

What is the difference between Excavator Hour vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator HourBackhoe Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, demolition projects, excavation sitesConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping projects
Job RoleOperate excavators for digging, lifting, and demolitionOperate backhoes for digging, trenching, and material handling

Both roles require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: excavator hours involve operating large, specialized excavators, while backhoe operators handle versatile backhoe loaders. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs and equipment familiarity.

What is an excavator hour?

An 'Excavator Hour' refers to the use of an excavator machine for one hour, often used as a billing unit in construction and excavation projects. It tracks how long the equipment is operated, which helps in estimating project costs, equipment rental, and labor expenses. This metric is important for contractors and clients to budget accurately and ensure fair charging for equipment use.

What are some common challenges faced by excavator operators working hourly, and how can they prepare for them?

Excavator Operators working on an hourly basis often face challenges such as adapting to varied job sites, managing equipment maintenance, and operating under tight project deadlines. Since work locations and conditions can change frequently, flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are essential. Operators should also stay proactive with equipment inspections and communicate closely with site supervisors to ensure safety and efficiency. Building strong working relationships with crew members can help streamline operations and reduce downtime.
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Hour jobs in Decatur, AL? For Excavator Hour jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Excavator Hour jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Excavator Hour job openings:
Infographic showing various Excavator Hour job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,005 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Dirt Work Foreman

Turner Industries

Decatur, AL • On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Turner Industries rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Turner Industries is a fully diversified industrial contractor. We help move the world forward by providing responsive, innovative solutions designed to increase plant production, reduce costs, reduce downtime, and even prevent shutdowns. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA, Turner Industries has over 20,000 employees with offices and job sites across the United States. Our single-solution approach in the petrochemical, refining, energy, pulp and paper, and related industries has made Turner one of the nation's top industrial contractors and earned us the No. 1 spot on ABC's 2024 Top Performers list. People are at the heart of everything we do. Their safety, security, and satisfaction have always been our top priorities. For proof, look no further than our strong working relationships and extraordinary workforce.

We are seeking a Heavy Dirt Work Foreman for a position in Decatur, AL. The Foreman position exercises independent judgment and supervises and directs a group of workers engaged chiefly in one occupation. Non-exempt role; Reports to the General Foreman or Supervisor; Performs a variety of routine duties within established policies.


Essential Qualifications:

  • High school or equivalent
  • TWIC card preferred but not required
  • Valid drivers license
  • Minimum two (2) years of experience as a Mechanic A/Journeyman
  • 5 plus years of dirt work experience; Landfill cell construction and closure experience is preferred
  • Travel required
  • Experience operating heavy yellow iron equipment (EX: Excavators, Dozers, Off-road truck, etc.)
  • Leadership capabilities/qualities
  • Experience managing people and crew
  • Strong safety performance
  • Communication
  • Knowledgeable in his/her craft, in order to lead others in the same craft
  • Possesses basic leadership/mentor skills
  • Able to plan/coordinate multiple job tasks at the same time
  • NCCER Crew Leader Certification preferred
  • Written pre-employment qualification test
  • Post-offer drug/alcohol screen and physical evaluation
  • Job site safety requirements as required by the client (clean shaven, long sleeves, steel toe boots, etc.)
  • Safety equipment as required by the client (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, respirator, hearing protection, safety harness with lanyard, etc.)
  • Applicant/employee must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace


Functional Requirements:

Upholds company safety guidelines to all employees under his/her direction, Interprets blueprints, sketches, written and/or verbal orders, Assigns duties, lines up and follows up all work and is responsible for production of the unit, Inspects work to ensure adherence to company standards, Trains and assists workers in the performance of their duties, Supervises and coordinates activities of assigned construction workers, Interprets company policies to workers and enforces safety, Regulations, analyzes and resolves work related problems, Implements safety programs, Ensures job site materials and equipment are in good condition, May maintain time, production, and other records, May study schedules and estimate worker-hour requirements for completion of job, Perform additional assignments per supervisor's direction.

Compensation

Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, benefits include health, dental, vision, life, ADD, voluntary life / ADD, disability benefits, leaves of absence, 401k, paid time off, paid holidays, telehealth access, and employee assistance program.

Physical Involvement:

Employee may be required to do the following: climbing ladders, scaffolds, structures, etc. above and below ground level; maintaining balance on ladders, scaffolds, structures, etc.; reaching in all directions, handling and manipulating objects and materials; coordinating the movement of eyes, hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment; lifting 30-50 lbs. from ground level, waist level, and/or overhead; carrying objects, tools, etc.; standing; sitting; walking; seeing with or without correction; hearing with or without correction; following set procedures and standards; applying basic mathematical skills; planning work; comparing and understanding differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects; picturing and evaluating solid objects from drawings or diagrams using standards that can be measured or checked; following oral and/or written directions, plans and blueprints; reading; writing; ability to recognize and report safety hazards

Turner Industries is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability and/or protected veteran status in accordance with governing law.


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