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Excavator Loader Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Dolton, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Able to operate yellow iron (backhoe, excavator, front end loader) * Minimal computer skills ... operating an excavator, backhoe and/or roll-off truck. * Previous industrial labor experience ...

CleanHarbors

Excavator Operator

Dolton, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Able to operate yellow iron (backhoe, excavator, front end loader) * Minimal computer skills ... operating an excavator, backhoe and/or roll-off truck. * Previous industrial labor experience ...

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Dolton, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Able to operate yellow iron (backhoe, excavator, front end loader) * Minimal computer skills ... operating an excavator, backhoe and/or roll-off truck. * Previous industrial labor experience ...

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Excavator Loader Operator information

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How much do excavator loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator loader operator in Chicago, IL is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavator loader operator do?

An Excavator Loader Operator operates heavy machinery, such as excavators and loaders, to move earth, debris, and materials on construction or demolition sites. They are responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks, grading surfaces, and following safety regulations. Operators must inspect and maintain their equipment to ensure proper functioning. This role requires skill, attention to detail, and adherence to project specifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an excavator loader operator?

To thrive as an Excavator Loader Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, knowledge of construction site safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant equipment operation certifications. Familiarity with GPS grading systems, machine maintenance procedures, and equipment-specific licensing (such as a CDL in some cases) is also important. Attention to detail, effective communication, and situational awareness are key soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for safe and efficient operation, minimizing job site hazards, and coordinating effectively with team members.

What does a typical workday look like for an excavator loader operator?

A typical day for an Excavator Loader Operator involves reviewing project plans or instructions, performing safety checks on machinery, and operating heavy equipment to move earth, materials, or debris. Operators often work closely with site supervisors, laborers, and other equipment operators to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and according to safety standards. You may also be responsible for basic machine maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining detailed logs of daily activities. The work environment can vary from large-scale construction sites to smaller utility or landscaping projects, frequently requiring adaptability to weather conditions and changing priorities.

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Excavator Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Excavator Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Excavator Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Loader Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,817 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Clean Harbors

Dolton, IL • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description


Clean Harbors in Dolton, IL is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations.

Pay: $28hr. w/$1.75 SD pay added for 2nd shift

Shift: 2nd shift (3-11) Mon-Fri

Why work for Clean Harbors?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!

  • Competitive pay and benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment

  • Group 401K with company matching component

  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement

  • Positive and safe work environments

  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

  • Able to operate yellow iron (backhoe, excavator, front end loader)
  • Minimal computer skills 
  • Loading unloading bulk liquids & solids
  • Forklift work
  • Housekeeping
  • Wearing PPE
  • Available to join the snow team in the cold months.
  • (Side note must be clean shaven - mustache okay)
  • 1+ years' experience in operating an excavator, backhoe and/or roll-off truck.
  • Previous industrial labor experience considered an asset.

Clean Harbors, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

#LI-CS1

#SK

  • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;
  • Operates backhoes and roll-off trucks, Forklifts;
  • Operate excavators and backhoes safely and efficiently
  • Assists with moving drums as necessary;
  • Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with Standard Operating Procedures;
  • Complete and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking. 
  • Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
  • Follow all safety procedures and OSHA regulations
  • Work closely with site supervisors and crew members
  • Maintain a clean and organized job site

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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