ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavator Operator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

baker construction

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Washington DC, DC, US Find a greater purpose with a team that puts people first. Baker Construction is the nation's top ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Overview Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator We are looking for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and mini excavator, for sewer & water service repairs/replacements. The average ...

baker construction

Excavator Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$26 - $34.25/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22201 Req ID : 8116 Travel: None Number of Openings: 2 Find a greater purpose with a team that puts ...

Caton's Plumbing

Excavator Operator

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Excavator Operator Catons Plumbing & Drain Service, located in Catonsville, has been providing the greater Baltimore area with the best plumbing maintenance and repair services for more than 60 years.

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company ...

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

William A Hazel Inc

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Excavator Operator information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Silver Spring, MD is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $29.57 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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,245 per year, or $27 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA • On-site

Turner Mining Group
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Turner Mining Groupexternal

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator – Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)

Reports To: Team Lead

Lead the Dig – Precision Deep Utility Operations!

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA.

In this key role, you'll take the controls of a CAT 340 to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities

  • Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
  • Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
  • Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
  • Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete required daily equipment logs , perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
  • Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with your Team Lead and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.

Candidate Requirements

  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
  • Pipelaying Expertise: Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
  • Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
  • Technical Skills: Expert ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.

Apply