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Excavator Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Gator Dredging

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

Gator Dredging

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

Gator Dredging

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

CWR Contracting, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Daytona Beach, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. (CWR) is a growing road construction company. We are seeking to fill an Excavator Operator position for our local operations. Essential Job Duties ...

Hubbard Construction Company

Excavator Operator

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate an excavator in ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator On A Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced excavator operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

W. Gardner, LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Florida

Excavator Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Florida is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

How do you get a job as an excavator operator?

To become an excavator operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in operating heavy machinery. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) can also improve job prospects.

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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs
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What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Florida are:
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Waterfront Property Services

Melbourne, FL

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off. Must have at least 3 years of experience operating an excavator and a minimum of 1 year experience operating a Long Reach Excavator.

Gator Dredging (the leading dredging company in the state of Florida) is actively seeking qualified people to join our ever-growing team!

Job Responsibilities for The Excavator Operator:

  • Able to Operate an Excavator safely, so as not to injure anyone or cause damage to buildings, structures, or other equipment.
  • Must adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Completion of Daily Equipment Maintenance Logs and submitting to the supervisor at the end of each shift.
  • Duties will include Daily inspections of the equipment, ability to make minor repairs, cleaning the equipment, checking fluids, and greasing all necessary areas.
  • Operating an excavator efficiently in dry, wet and marsh types of environments.
  • Assisting with Mobilization and Demobilization of our construction sites is required.
  • Position will include assisting with miscellaneous laborer or other duties as needed.
  • Follow instruction and direction from the site supervisors.
  • Must be able to work well with others to get the job done right.

Qualifications for The Excavator Operator:

  • Must have at least 5 years of experience operating an excavator.
  • Must have at least 1 year of experience operating a long reach excavator.
  • Must be able to travel out of town.
  • Enjoy working as part of a team.
  • MUST be motivated and able to work independently.
  • On/Off Barge operating experience a plus.
  • Long Reach excavator experience a plus.
  • Previous dredging experience a plus.
  • Dozer experience a plus.
  • A valid driver's license and it must be maintained throughout employment.
  • OSHA Certification a plus

Physical Demands/Work Environment for The Excavator Operator:

  • Physical/Sensory Functions: Regularly will use sit, use hands, talk/hear; Frequently will reach with hands; Occasionally will stand, walk, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste/smell.
  • Lift and/or Move Functions: Regularly will lift-up to 10 pounds; Frequently will lift up to 25 pounds; Occasionally will lift up to 50 pounds.

Employee Benefits. An excellent compensation and benefits package is offered. Benefit plans include:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays

Gator Dredging is a:

  • Drug-Free Workplace
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Homeland Security- E-Verify Company. Gator Dredging will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

For more information, please visit www.gatordredging.com

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