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Excavator Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator - Trencher

Spearville, KS

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Position Scope Responsible for operating various types of equipment including, but not limited to, front endloaders, excavators, backhoe, dozers, forklifts, skid steers, marookas, motor graders, to ...

... and rubber excavators, motor graders skid steer loaders, asphalt paver, asphalt roller, chip ... Operating procedures for all equipment assigned. Abilities: Ability to operate heavy equipment ...

Operator

Fort Riley, KS

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Operator

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Harper, KS · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... soil using a excavator • Maintaining haul roads using a grader • Hauling soil with an ... operating practices • Learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service ...

Operator

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Operator

Shawnee, KS

$18 - $24.75/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Harper, KS · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... soil using a excavator • Maintaining haul roads using a grader • Hauling soil with an ... operating practices • Learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service ...

Operator

Topeka, KS

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

Operators will operate one or more construction equipment such as but not limited to forklift, bob cats, bulldozers, excavators, skid steer, mini excavator, full size excavator, front-end loaders ...

Showing results 21-40

Excavator Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Kansas is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $25.53 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 Kansas?

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

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

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

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Kansas 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 $48,523 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Trencher

PACK Power

Spearville, KS

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Scope

Responsible for operating various types of equipment including, but not limited to, front endloaders, excavators, backhoe, dozers, forklifts, skid steers, marookas, motor graders, to perform construction tasks such as land clearing, common excavation, trench backfill, rough grade reclaim/ finish grade roadway, underground utility installation work for various types of construction projects.

Location & Travel: This role offers nationwide opportunities based on project needs. In addition to your hourly pay, you’ll receive a daily per diem to assist with living expenses while on assignment. 

Company Overview

PACK Power was founded in 2023 to meet a growing demand for specialized High Voltage and Medium Voltage expertise within the Renewable, Power Delivery, Utility, and Data Center markets. The company was built by industry veterans, bringing decades of hands-on experience and a shared vision of partnering with clients to deliver exceptional, successful projects. Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability and reliability.

At its core, PACK Power is built on people. We operate like a family, with a culture rooted in teamwork, trust, and looking out for one another. Our “us over me” mindset creates a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing environment where individuals can grow and succeed together. Honesty, responsiveness, and clear communication guide on how we work — with each other and with our clients. Like a pack of wolves, every team member plays a vital role, united by shared purpose as we lead the High Voltage and Medium Voltage industries.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Promote and comply with all Company and safety policies and procedures
  • Operate equipment proficiently, including knowledge of equipment functions, running, navigating, detects or assesses problems, mechanical aptitude, and driving.
  • Ability to operate on uneven terrain and excavate/backfill native materials accordingly, using various pieces of construction equipment listed above.
  • Stockpile and load dirt, stone, equipment, materials, and waste product from jobsite onto trucks using various pieces of equipment.
  • Ability to excavate trenches with proper slopes per OSHA.
  • Ability to backfill open excavations/trenches properly, adhering to project specific methods, standards and lift requirements.
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
  • Must have the ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations that may require an immediate response.
  • Willing to assist with miscellaneous labor tasks of installation
  • Perform daily maintenance duties such as cleaning tracks/buckets, greasing and oiling machines, and fueling.
  • Operators are responsible for maintenance of their machine; conduct regular thorough equipment inspections including but not limited to track tension checks and mechanical troubleshooting. Inspection/maintenance reports shall be filled out daily
  • Maintaining consistent, smooth, and accurate trench depths
  • Assess soil conditions and adjust accordingly
  • Ability to work in and navigate equipment in varying weather conditions including but not limited to snow, mud, or extreme temperatures
  • Other duties as assigned by Superintendent or Foreman that align with project specific requirements.

Physical Requirements

  • Hand-eye-foot coordination for precise machine movements
  • Ability to safely enter and exit equipment
  • Ability and willingness to work safely inside and out of equipment
  • Questions that can be added to the application

Education and Work Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) and six to twelve months of related experience in construction; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Equipment Operator certifications as required per equipment being operated.
  • NCCER preferred
  • CDL preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety and of those who may be affected by the day-to-day delivery of this role by taking personal responsibility for working towards safety principles.
  • Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Add and subtract two-digit numbers and multiply and divide with 10's and 100's, ability to perform these operations using units, weight measurement and volume.
  • Ability to understand units of force, pressure and torque and apply appropriate tooling adjustments for each.
  • Common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
  • Be able to work within precise standards of accuracy and follow set procedures and standards.
  • Working knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in structural fills, DOT, and other public and private entities.
  • Workers should be able to work within precise standards of accuracy; follow set procedures and standards, judge distances and slopes accurately; and make decisions based on verifiable standards.

What's in it for You

  • Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave
  • Employee/family focused culture

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing.Accessibility: If you need accommodation as part of the employment process, contact careers@packpowerco.com.

Pack Power, LLC. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Pack Power policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

PACK Power, LLC does not work with any third-party recruiters or agencies without a signed agreement with the Recruitment Team.

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