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Excavator Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Be Seen First

This role requires operating equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and backhoes to move earth, materials, and debris on construction sites. Responsibilities: * Operate heavy equipment ...

This position will focus on operating heavy equipment, including excavators and dozers * The work will be conducted on live roadways, requiring a high level of safety awareness and the ability to ...

Posted today

Dirt Operator

Port Allen, LA · On-site

$30.25/hr

... excavation and shoring. (Equipment Operator 2) * Operates Heavy and Light Equipment = Fuel Truck ... Driver, backhoe, track hoe, packers/rollers, sweepers, skid steer, forklifts, tractors & heavy-duty ...

Operator

Prairieville, LA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

... Heavy Equipment Operator. Applicants must be willing to travel on a 10/4 rotation. The ideal ... Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using loaders, excavator, skid steers ...

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $27.45 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 Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,250 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Excavator Operator

PBSGC Marine Group

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement of rock from barges. This position may require operation of other heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, off road dump trucks, bulldozers, and various other types of heavy equipment used in civil engineering. Barge mounted excavator operators primary function is unloading and placing rock in the Inland and Western waterways. Successful candidate must be able to work and communicate well with tender boat crew and line boat crew. This position requires the ability to recognize hazards, communicate such hazards to supervisors, have an understanding of river conditions, the ability to recognize marine rigging and evaluate conditions.

Successful candidate must have the attitude and ability to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with all crewmembers. This position also requires effective communication skills. The Barge Mounted Excavator Operator along with the assigned SSHO, will participate in Safety Huddles, Safety Meetings and assist in the development of Job Safety Analysis's (JSA'S) to fulfill our goal of "Incident Free Operations".

A minimum of two years' experience with working in a marine environment on the Inland waterways and especially the Mississippi River is beneficial. Position will consist of severe duty marine conditions including inclement weather.

Pay will be commensurate with experience. Competitive benefit package available with employer participation including health, dental, and life insurance as well as 401K retirement savings plan after waiting period.

Successful applicant must complete on-boarding physical and exertion function tests with physical therapist after acceptance of offer to evaluate ability to meet the physical essential functions of the position.

Requirements:

Minimum of three years of heavy (min. 80,000 lb.) equipment operator experience.

Must have the ability and be willing to work outside in extreme weather conditions.

Must have ability and willingness to work 10-12 hours per day.

Flexibility and willingness to work extended duty or "hitch" as work and conditions require.

Ability and willingness to perform manual labor including, ability to climb ladders, stairs, perform repetitive bending and stooping.

Must be comfortable working over and adjacent to water and willingness to participate in water rescue.

Must possess High school diploma or GED.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Must be available for consistent duty.

Must provide transportation to the assigned job location.

Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes Affirmative Action for Females/Veterans/Minorities/Disabled. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact ApplicantAssist@pbsgc.com or call 1-888-870-8296.

Please note: This employment position may be considered a Safety Sensitive Position related to the operation of equipment or working in proximity of operating equipment, working over or adjacent to water, working at a height, or a particular assignment regulated by license, credential, or contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.