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Excavator Operator Jobs in Meridian, ID (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

The Large Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CAT 395 excavators (or equivalent large production excavators) on heavy civil construction projects. This position ...

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

The Large Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CAT 395 excavators (or equivalent large production excavators) on heavy civil construction projects. This position ...

TAPANI Inc

Mainline Excavator Operator

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$29.03 - $46.35/hr

Tapani Careers Job Summary The Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating the heavy equipment to ensure the day to day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with ...

TAPANI, Inc.

Mainline Excavator Operator

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$29.04 - $46.35/hr

Tapani Careers Job Summary The Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating the heavy equipment to ensure the day to day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

American Rooter & Drain

Underground Lead

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Certification (required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire). * First Aid/CPR and OSHA 10-Hour certifications are a plus. * Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work ...

American Rooter & Drain

Underground Lead

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Certification (required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire). * First Aid/CPR and OSHA 10-Hour certifications are a plus. * Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work ...

American Rooter & Drain

Underground Lead

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Certification (required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire).First Aid/CPR and OSHA 10-Hour certifications are a plus.Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work orders ...

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Dozer Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Operators will work closely with excavators, haul trucks, loaders, and other heavy equipment to move blasted, ripped, and excavated rock and earth materials safely and efficiently. Responsibilities ...

WRS

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID · On-site

This role requires proven experience operating excavation equipment on a civil construction site with a focus on mainline trenching and pipe installation. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of ...

Walsh Reclamation Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Position Summary Operates heavy machinery -- including excavators, bulldozers, motor graders ... Coordinates safely with ground crew and other operators, follows all site safety procedures, and ...

Aerotek

Equipment Operator

Meridian, ID · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Equipment Operator The Equipment Operator safely operates Combilift forklifts, overhead cranes, and ... excavation-related tasks using equipment such as dozers, excavators, backhoes, track hoes, and ...

Master Companies

Excavation Technician

Meridian, ID · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Masters is looking for an Excavation Technician who likes working with their hands, operating equipment, and seeing a job come together from start to finish. As an Excavation Technician, you'll be ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Meridian, ID

Excavator Operator information

See Meridian, ID salary details

$12

$24

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Meridian, ID is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $26.97 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 Meridian, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,305 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Boise, ID • On-site

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.external

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED EQUIPMENT OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
With over 50 years of delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and mission critical projects, we bring the experience, resources, and proven execution needed to complete our work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.
RLW offers challenging career opportunities, extensive training and employee development to grow your career and thrive under the Ralph L. Wadsworth reputation for excellence. We offer amazing benefits and supply you with the tools needed to maximize your growth and potential.
Benefits include:
    • Competitive Pay
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Retirement Plan - 401K, employees will receive a company contribution up to 5%
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Growth and Career Advancement
Position Description
  • The Large Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CAT 395 excavators (or equivalent large production excavators) on heavy civil construction projects. This position will primarily perform mass excavation, rock excavation, and truck loading operations to support project production goals.
  • Operators will work closely with haul truck drivers, dozer operators, and other heavy equipment personnel to efficiently excavate, load, and move large volumes of earth and rock material. Responsibilities include maintaining proper truck loading procedures, achieving production targets, performing pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, and ensuring safe operation in a fast-paced construction environment.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience operating large production excavators in heavy civil construction, mining, quarry, mass grading, data center, roadway, or large earthwork projects. Candidates must be capable of loading haul trucks efficiently while maintaining equipment safety, productivity, and material control.
  • Operators may be required to perform general labor duties as needed and must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and varying shifts to support project demands.
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience operating large production excavators, including CAT 395, CAT 390, CAT 374, or equivalent equipment in heavy civil, mining, quarry, mass excavation, or large earthwork environments
  • Proven experience loading haul trucks and maintaining production goals in high-volume excavation operations
  • Experience performing mass excavation, rock excavation, and large-scale earthmoving activities
  • Willingness to perform laborer duties when equipment operation is not required
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team while maintaining a professional attitude and strong work ethic
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work safely under pressure and adapt to changing jobsite conditions and production demands
  • Strong hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and situational awareness around active heavy equipment operations
  • Ability to climb in and out of heavy equipment, walk uneven terrain, bend, stoop, kneel, balance, and lift up to 75 pounds as required
  • Ability to work around active excavation areas, haul trucks, heavy equipment traffic, and other potentially hazardous jobsite conditions
  • Flexible availability, including overtime, weekends, and extended work schedules as project needs require
  • Valid driver's license required
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to understand job assignments, safety requirements, production expectations, and emergency situations

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-SC1

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