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Excavator Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

M&M Recycling

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a leading scrap metal recycling company and a family-run business that values progress, production, and people. We play a key role in keeping ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

As a Excavator Operator, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS capability. This role requires teamwork ...

M&M Recycling

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company that values safety, hard work, and doing the job right. We operate a fast-paced yard where skilled ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

As a Excavator Operator, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS capability. This role requires teamwork ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Savannah, GA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Excavator Operator- Plant An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney Construction. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

As a Excavator Operator, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS capability. This role requires teamwork ...

The Walsh Group

Experienced Excavator Operator

Kingston, GA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Archer Western Construction is currently seeking an Excavator Operator for the West Bartow Water Reclamation Facility, in Kingston, GA. The Excavator Operator's primary function is ...

Wakefield Biochar

Excavator Operator

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Innovative, sustainability-focused company seeking an Excavator Operator to join their team! WHAT WE DO Wakefield BioChar is an innovative, mission-driven company at the forefront of sustainable ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Savannah, GA

$21 - $27.75/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney Construction. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Savannah, GA

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney Construction. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you ...

Wakefield BioChar

Excavator Operator

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Innovative, sustainability-focused company seeking an Excavator Operator to join their team!WHAT WE DO Wakefield BioChar is an innovative, mission-driven company at the forefront of sustainable ...

Strack, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Operates excavating and loading equipment using heavy machinery. Effectively completes excavation and related tasks such as backfilling, trenching, grading excavation moving mass ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

As a Excavator Operator, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS capability. This role requires teamwork ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Savannah, GA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney Construction. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you ...

SR 400 Constructors

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating excavators. * Strong understanding of construction processes. * Excellent hand-eye coordination. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.

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Excavator Operator information

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$22

$35

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Georgia is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.13 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia? For Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Excavator Operator job openings:
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, and 96% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,941 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Excavator Operator

M&M Recycling

Locust Grove, GA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator


Company Overview

M&M Recycling is a leading scrap metal recycling company and a family-run business that values progress, production, and people. We play a key role in keeping materials out of landfills and turning scrap into valuable resources.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for skilled equipment operators who want long-term careers in the scrap metal industry, not just a job for today.


The Opportunity

As an Excavator Operator with M&M Recycling, you will operate heavy equipment to process and prepare scrap metal for recycling. You will be a key player in keeping the yard running safely and efficiently, and you will be trained to operate specialized machinery, including our scrap metal baler and scrap shear

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced heavy equipment operator who wants to learn new skills, work with modern recycling equipment, and grow into higher-responsibility roles within our Career Tracks.


What You'll Do
  • Safely operate an excavator and baling equipment to process clean, sorted metal scrap (training provided on our Harris Centurion baler).
  • Sort, clean, and separate different types of scrap metals to ensure high-quality, market-ready bales.
  • Guide truck drivers to proper unloading locations and help maintain smooth traffic and material flow in the yard.
  • Conduct daily pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance checks to keep equipment in safe working order.
  • Keep the work area around machines and baling zones clean, organized, and free of hazards.
  • Support yard operations with general labor tasks such as cleaning, preparing material, and assisting team members as needed.
  • Cross-train on other equipment and responsibilities to increase flexibility and overall yard efficiency.
What Success Looks Like
  • Within the first 90 days, consistently operate the excavator and baler safely, following all procedures and meeting production expectations.
  • Regularly produce clean, properly sorted, and market-ready bales with minimal rework or contamination issues.
  • Maintain a safe, organized work area and complete daily inspections and basic maintenance without reminders.
  • Become a reliable, go-to team member who can step into other yard tasks and equipment as needed to keep operations running smoothly.
What We're Looking For

Experienced excavator operators

  • Previous experience in a scrap yard, recycling facility, or operating heavy equipment.
  • Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions and performing physical labor throughout the shift.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and production goals.
  • A team-oriented attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn new equipment and processes.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • On-the-job training for specialized machinery and clear Career Tracks for growth
  • Full-time position
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. MondayFriday and 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Saturday (subject to change)
How to Apply

If you are a reliable heavy equipment operator who wants to build a career in the scrap metal industry, apply today with your resume or work history. M&M Recycling completes pre-employment drug testing.