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Excavator Operator Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

ARS

Excavation Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Requires heavy equipment operator skills. A valid driver's license and good communications skills are required. Note: This posting outlines potential pay ranges and opportunities, which are not ...

ARS-Rescue Rooter

Excavation Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Requires heavy equipment operator skills. A valid driver's license and good communications skills are required. Note: This posting outlines potential pay ranges and opportunities, which are not ...

ARS-Rescue Rooter

Excavation Operator

Omaha, NE

$20 - $35/hr

Requires heavy equipment operator skills. A valid driver's license and good communications skills are required. Note: This posting outlines potential pay ranges and opportunities, which are not ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Nebraska salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Nebraska is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $27.26 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.
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,875 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lincoln, NE - Heavy Equipment Operator: Excavator / Backhoe Operator

General Excavating

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Summary
General Excavating is an award-winning contractor serving public and private owners throughout Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. General Excavating specializes in the construction of underground utilities, natural gas distribution, environmental remediation, excavation shoring, directional drilling, hydro-excavation, and heavy civil including bridge and concrete structures.
General Excavating is searching for a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator responsible for operating various excavation equipment as specified by supervisor. The qualified candidate works on construction projects in an equipment operator capacity, however, will also serve in a utility (laborer) capacity, as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
  • Assist in the loading / unloading of equipment and supplies needed for daily work assignments and properly securing work area.
  • Excavates trenches for and around new and existing utilities, observing safety rules, often with workers in trench.
  • Checks slopes using instruments such as lasers, grade rods or transit level.
  • Ensures work is completed to specification by observing grade stakes, material levels, hand signals and other markers. .
  • Assists in aligning pipes during pipeline construction for water, storm and sanitary sewer.
  • Grades and level trench bases, using tamping machine and hand tools.
  • Connect pipes and seals joints using glue, cement, gaskets and / or flanges.
  • Effectively completes excavation and related tasks such as backfilling excavations and breaking concrete or rock using appropriate equipment.
  • Covers pipes using equipment and shovels with earth material / aggregates.
  • Performs daily inspection and ensures that machine is in safe, proper working order including fluid checks and proper lubrication.
  • Reports to foreman and shop when equipment needs maintenance and repair.
  • Ability to safely identify utilities in the trench/bore path.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet) and able to perform work on uneven surfaces.
  • Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsite.
  • Works closely with crewmembers using hand signals to coordinate work and ensure safety.
  • Must excavate around utility lines with precision to avoid damage to lines and ensure safety of personnel in trench.
  • Places and removes trench boxes safely.
  • Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination and stamina necessary to complete jobs with various conditions and terrains.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds and push / or pull 50-pound loads at a time.
  • Must be able to stand and walk up to eight hours per day and climb multiple sets of stairs while carrying materials weighing between 40 and 60 pounds.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a job.
Education and/or Experience
Two (2) years minimum related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
  • Two (2) years minimum related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be knowledgeable in OSHA Regulation 29CFR 1926 Subpart P.
  • Certified Competent Person preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record. CDL preferred.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and are, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance. Occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical part, fumes, airborne particles, caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Conditions of Employment
Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications and job duties, task frequency and PPE requirements. Approval of pre-employment reference & background checks, and post offer drug testing with fit for employment screening are required as conditions of employment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE EMPLOYER.

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