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Excavator Operator Relocation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grading - Excavator Operator

Mount Airy, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

The company does not offer relocation benefits. The position of an Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Grading Department moves mass excavation in an off-road environment. Duties and ...

Excavation Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

The Excavation Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to ... Must be able to commute and/or relocate prior to employment. Willingness to travel up to 25 ...

Excavation Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

The Excavation Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to ... Must be able to commute and/or relocate prior to employment. Willingness to travel up to 25 ...

Excavation Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

The Excavation Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to ... Must be able to commute and/or relocate prior to employment. Willingness to travel up to 25 ...

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Excavator Operator Relocation information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator operator relocation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator relocation in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Excavator Operator Relocation jobs?

Excavator Operator Relocation jobs involve operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, in locations that require the operator to move or temporarily relocate for the duration of a project. These roles typically include tasks such as digging trenches, moving earth, and preparing construction sites. Relocation may be necessary for large-scale infrastructure projects, mining operations, or remote construction sites where local labor is insufficient. Employers often provide assistance with moving expenses or temporary housing. This type of job suits individuals who are flexible and willing to work in various geographic locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator Operator, especially when relocating, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need proven experience in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and typically a valid equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with GPS systems, hydraulic controls, and safety inspection tools is essential. Strong spatial awareness, adaptability to new environments, and effective communication skills help operators excel, especially when relocating. These skills ensure safe, efficient equipment handling and smooth integration into new teams or job sites, minimizing risks and downtime.

What are some common challenges Excavator Operators face when relocating for a new job assignment?

Excavator Operators who relocate for work often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar job sites, learning new safety regulations, and integrating with a new team. Adjusting to different soil types, weather conditions, and local site procedures can also require flexibility and quick learning. Many employers provide orientation and support, but proactively communicating with supervisors and colleagues is key to a smooth transition.

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

AspectExcavator Operator RelocationHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecific to excavation and site prepBroader, including various heavy machinery
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on excavation-specific rolesBroader heavy machinery roles

Excavator Operator Relocation primarily involves operating excavators on construction sites, often requiring specific certifications. Heavy Equipment Operator covers a wider range of machinery, including bulldozers and loaders, used across various industries. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Excavator Operator Relocation is more specialized in excavation tasks, whereas Heavy Equipment Operator encompasses a broader scope of heavy machinery operation.

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator Relocation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 40% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Grading - Excavator Operator

Smith Rowe, LLC

Mount Airy, NC • On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Want to be part of a company who gives back to their employees? You've stopped at the right ad! We expect a lot from our employees, but we also give a lot in return.
We care about our employees by providing an exceptional benefits package. We also work to further our employees' careers by doing our best to promote within the company. If you care about job performance, work well with others, can be accountable, have a positive attitude, can follow company/safety guidelines, are dependable, punctual, respond positively to supervision, you will be a great fit for our company!
Operating since 1983, the Smith-Rowe Team has grown and developed into a formidable construction company. Our organization employs teams with capabilities in structures, grading, utilities, storm drain, retaining walls, sound walls, signage, demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction.
Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Employee Paid Premiums for Medical Insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Account
  • Telemedicine
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Sign On/Referral Bonuses

Position Overview: This position requires relocation or a local candidate. The company does not offer relocation benefits. The position of an Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Grading Department moves mass excavation in an off-road environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conduct pre-shift and post-shift daily inspections of equipment for safety and mechanical defects.
  • Operate/drive construction type equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, concrete, asphalt, or other hard surface pavement on road beds and dirt/earth surfaces in a safe manner
  • May perform minor repairs and maintain equipment as needed
  • General labor as needed

Education and/or Experience:
  • 3 - 5 years' experience preferred
  • High school diploma/GED, preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Valid driver's license preferred
  • Must be safety oriented
  • Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, communicate tactfully and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and the public
  • Able to learn and comply with all safety policies and procedures and OSHA regulations
  • Able to learn and comply with all company policies and procedures
  • Ability to travel and to work overtime when required
  • Must be able to pass a drug screen
  • Must have a strong work ethic
  • Must be 18 years of age

Physical Demands: The physical demands below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Able to push and pull with hands, arms, and feet repetitively
  • Must have good visual and auditory physical capabilities in order to manage sights and sounds in a hazardous construction environment
  • Able to be alert and cognitive of multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including awareness of other employees, subcontractors, machinery, equipment, and moving traffic when applicable
  • Coordination between hand, eyes, feet to guide equipment and objects is required
  • Must be able to mount and dismount off of vehicles and equipment
  • Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Must be able to walk on uneven terrain
  • Able to lift up to 70 pounds

Environmental Working Conditions
  • All work is performed outside in heat, cold, and inclement weather.
  • Exposure to all elements of nature
  • Exposure to all types of terrain

NOTE: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: 336-789-8221
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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