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Excavator Operator Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Excavator / Dozier Operator

Benton, MS · On-site

Excavator / Dozier Operator AMAT Benton, Mississippi, United States Job ID: 527255 APAC Mississippi, Inc., a CRH company, is a great place to work! CRH is the number one asphalt producer and paver ...

CRH

Excavator / Dozier Operator

Benton, MS

Signal operators of construction equipment to facilitate alignment and movement of materials. * Follow directions of manager as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific project or job site.

Phoenix Biochar

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Pickens, MS · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator plays a crucial role in operating various types of heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and graders as part of a small team. This position involves ...

City of Brandon

PW Water Operator 1

Brandon, MS

... Operator I (Class D Licensed) to join its Public Works Water Division. Under the general ... Operate excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, trenchers, and other equipment ...

Amteck, LLC

Equipment Operator - Lawrenceburg

Madison, MS · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled Construction Equipment Operator to join Amteck in ... Operate and maintain electrical construction equipment, including but not limited to excavators ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

Excavator Operator information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$11

$21

$34

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Ridgeland, MS is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.85 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 Ridgeland, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,331 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Experienced Excavator Operator

Pearl, MS • On-site

AJ Construction, LLC
See more jobs at AJ Construction, LLCexternal

$19 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

AJ Construction Inc. is seeking an experienced excavator operator for our gravel pit in the Brookhaven area. This is a full-time, hourly position for an operator with at least five years of heavy-equipment experience, preferably in a gravel pit, quarry, mining, aggregate, or earthmoving operation.

Job responsibilities:

  • Safely operate excavators for digging, loading, stripping overburden, removing unsuitable material, and general pit production
  • Excavate and move sand, gravel, clay, topsoil, and other aggregate materials
  • Load haul trucks, articulated dump trucks, hoppers, and processing equipment while maintaining efficient production
  • Maintain proper digging depths, slopes, benches, grades, drainage ditches, and working faces
  • Sort, separate, and stockpile materials according to grade and production requirements
  • Work safely around crushers, screens, conveyors, loaders, haul trucks, and other mobile equipment
  • Conduct daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections
  • Check fluid levels, tracks, undercarriage, hydraulic lines, hoses, buckets, teeth, pins, and safety equipment
  • Identify mechanical problems, report needed repairs, and perform routine operator-level maintenance and greasing
  • Follow established traffic patterns and communicate with ground personnel and other operators by radio or hand signals
  • Maintain safe distances from highwalls, stockpile edges, overhead utilities, equipment, and ground personnel
  • Follow all company safety policies, site rules, and applicable MSHA requirements
  • Maintain a clean cab and keep assigned equipment in safe operating condition

Minimum qualifications:

  • Five or more years of excavator or comparable heavy-equipment operating experience
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to safely and efficiently load trucks and work in an active production environment
  • Knowledge of grades, slopes, digging techniques, equipment limitations, and safe excavation practices
  • Ability to recognize changing ground conditions and potential hazards
  • Ability to understand instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers
  • Dependable attendance and willingness to work outdoors in changing weather and jobsite conditions
  • MSHA certification and previous gravel-pit, quarry, mining, or aggregate experience are strongly preferred

Work conditions:

This position requires working outdoors around dust, noise, vibration, mud, uneven ground, and moving equipment. Applicants must be able to climb on and off equipment, perform required inspections, and work safely in an active gravel-pit environment. Work hours may vary based on weather, production needs, and operational requirements.

Pay and benefits:

  • $19–$25 per hour, based on experience
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Opportunity for advancement with a new and growing company

AJ Construction Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply