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Excavator Operator Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

... and clear and excavate. * Loads and unloads rock, debris, earth, trees and materials, such as ... Knowledge of operating motorized equipment used for groundskeeping, snow removal, or hauling ...

... and clear and excavate. * Loads and unloads rock, debris, earth, trees and materials, such as ... Knowledge of operating motorized equipment used for groundskeeping, snow removal, or hauling ...

Equipment Operator I

DE · On-site

$33K/yr

... and clear and excavate. * Loads and unloads rock, debris, earth, trees and materials, such as ... Knowledge of operating motorized equipment used for groundskeeping, snow removal, or hauling ...

Dump Truck Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... operating a CDL B dump truck in heavy civil construction. * Valid CDL B license with a clean driving record; CDL A is a plus. * Experience hauling materials for site work, grading, excavation ...

Dump Truck Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... operating a CDL B dump truck in heavy civil construction. * Valid CDL B license with a clean driving record; CDL A is a plus. * Experience hauling materials for site work, grading, excavation ...

Dump Truck Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... operating a CDL B dump truck in heavy civil construction. * Valid CDL B license with a clean driving record; CDL A is a plus. * Experience hauling materials for site work, grading, excavation ...

Dump Truck Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... operating a CDL B dump truck in heavy civil construction. * Valid CDL B license with a clean driving record; CDL A is a plus. * Experience hauling materials for site work, grading, excavation ...

Perform diagnostics, inspections, repairs, and maintenance on heavy equipment including excavators ... Your expertise will help keep our fleet operating smoothly--driving success across multiple ...

Showing results 41-60

Excavator Operator information

See Delaware salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Delaware is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavator operator do?

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery called excavators to move earth, dig trenches, lift materials, and perform site preparation on construction projects. They control the excavator’s boom, bucket, and other attachments with precision to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Excavator Operators also perform routine equipment maintenance, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with site supervisors and other workers. Their work is crucial in building foundations, roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

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 a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, maintenance software, and various models of excavators is typically required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by excavator operators on construction sites?

Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other heavy equipment to maintain safety and efficiency. Managing unexpected underground obstacles and ensuring accurate digging according to site plans also requires strong attention to detail. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to minimize delays and prevent accidents, making teamwork a critical aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Excavator Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingSimilar certifications, often OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping
Job DutiesDigging, lifting, demolition with large excavatorsDigging trenches, loading, small-scale excavation
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructureConstruction, landscaping, utility companies

While both Excavator Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and use similar safety certifications, Excavator Operators typically handle larger machinery for heavy-duty tasks, whereas Backhoe Operators focus on smaller-scale digging and loading. The choice depends on project size and equipment used.

How much do they pay an excavator operator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas may earn higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in DE?

For Excavator Operator jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,455 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Equipment Operator I

State of Delaware

Georgetown, DE • On-site

$33K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The mission of Maintenance & Operations is to provide excellence in transportation by keeping the state's road transportation network in a state of good repair through the careful and consistent application of personnel, equipment and financial resources.
Click here to learn more about DelDOT Maintenance & Operations Division.
Summary Statement
This describes entry-level equipment operator work. This level is involved in learning department rules, regulations, and policies concerning operation of equipment, proper handling of materials, and environmental issues as related to the industry. Work is performed under close direction of a technical superior.
This position must be available to work overtime as needed, and during storm events and other emergency events on short notice and in some cases no advance notice.
Career Ladder
Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Drives and controls on/off-road equipment to haul supplies to and from the work site. This may include public highway systems.
  • Manipulates equipment with integrated mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems/controls by coding computers and or adjusting levers, gears, valves, switches and related controls.
  • Operates mobile equipment and hand tools to dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and clear and excavate.
  • Loads and unloads rock, debris, earth, trees and materials, such as abrasives, de-icing chemicals/hazardous material using hands, loaders, trucks, hand-truck, forklift, dolly-lift and hoist.
  • Operates hand tools such as jackhammers, mechanical tampers, power saws, air compressors, hydraulic drivers, and similar equipment to make general repairs of roads, grounds, and/or structures.
  • Performs construction/maintenance and repairs in a variety of labor/trades fields such as carpentry, welding, and masonry.
  • Responds to environmental/highway emergency situations to control snow, storm water, hazardous debris, oil spills, etc. on roads, grounds and related areas.
  • Uses traffic control techniques to control high/low speed vehicular traffic movements.
  • Performs preventive maintenance, operational checks, pre, and post walk around inspections, and makes minor repairs/adjustments of assigned equipment; reports damage and /or required maintenance.
  • May operate draw and swing bridges to permit both water and roadway traffic to pass safely.

Job Requirements
Job Requirements for Equipment Operator I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment which includes lubricating, cleaning, and servicing.
  2. Knowledge of operating a variety of equipment used in repair, maintenance, and development of roads, grounds, or structures such as jack hammers, power saws, air compressors, or hydraulic post drivers.
  3. Knowledge of operating motorized equipment used for groundskeeping, snow removal, or hauling materials.
  4. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire
As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
As a condition of hire you must possess a valid CDL Class A or B drivers license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving) OR obtain one during the initial 90-day probationary period.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources. DelDOT does not provide employment-based sponsorship.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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