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Excavator Operator Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Springfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $60/hr

ABOUT JL Construction Corp Founded in 2007, JL Construction Corp is a heavy civil excavation ... To succeed as a Construction Equipment Operator at JL Construction Corp, you must possess: * A ...

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Equipment Operator

Hartford, CT · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Standard Builders Inc is actively seeking applicants for a heavy equipment operator. Duties include ... Work includes excavation for industrial and commercial construction, pipe work, trenching, setting ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Springfield, MA is $26.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $28.51 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 Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, MA?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,217 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Large Wheel Loader and Excavator

Murphy Road Recycling

Hartford, CT

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator

Large Wheel Loader and Excavator

Murphy Road Recycling

Position Summary:

The Heavy Equipment Operator - Large Wheel Loader and Excavator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of large wheel loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment used in daily site operations. This position plays a critical role in material handling, loading and unloading trucks, stockpile management, site maintenance, excavation activities, and ensuring operational productivity. The operator must follow all safety procedures, conduct pre- and post-trip equipment inspections, identify maintenance needs, and work closely with supervisors and team members to maintain efficient workflow. The ideal candidate possesses strong equipment operating skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outdoor environment while maintaining high standards of equipment care and operational performance. The start time for this position will be 5:30 am.

Your Role:

  • Safely operate large wheel loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations.
  • Load, unload, move, sort, and stockpile materials efficiently and accurately.
  • Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation activities.
  • Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of equipment and completed required inspection reports.
  • Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues, damage, or maintenance needs.
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks, including fueling, greasing, cleaning, and checking fluid levels.
  • Ensure work areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
  • Loads and monitors transfer trucks, van trailers, and rail cars based on the facility.
  • Performs routine maintenance checks on mobile equipment and facility equipment and reports malfunctions to the Supervisor.
  • Maintain accurate records related to equipment inspections, maintenance, and daily production.
  • Work all assigned shifts from the scheduled start to the scheduled end time.
  • Take an active role in the improvement of safety and health in the workplace.
  • Reads, understands, and applies information such as lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, job hazard analyses, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.
  • Participate in all required Company meetings, including weekly safety meetings.
  • Maintains reasonable, regular, punctual attendance consistent with Company policies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal, state, and local standards.
  • Adapts to changing duties, as required, based on business needs.

Your Skills:

  • Ability to complete safety, operational, and other required training within a scheduled period.
  • Communication skills sufficient to complete required job functions.
  • Demonstrated mechanical ability sufficient to complete routine tasks.
  • Demonstrated success in the use of required safety equipment.
  • Gritty, outgoing, and eager to learn.
  • Strong communication (verbal and written)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • The environment is fast-paced, and the person in this role must be proactive, hardworking, highly organized, and an independent critical thinker.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience

This Position Features:

  • Family-Oriented Environment
  • Excellent Benefits and Bonus Potentiala

Physical Demands:

Listed below are key points regarding the job's environmental demands and work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) for most of the workday.
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more or less than 30 pounds.
  • Required to be exposed to physical and occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.).
  • Required to be exposed to a physical environment that involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, or similar elements.
  • Clarity of vision.
  • Local travel

Our Story

Murphy Road Recycling LLC is dedicated to staying at the forefront of recycling and waste solutions. We are innovating every step of the way. From building the largest state-of-the-art recycling facility in the country and powering our buildings with solar energy, we are committed to you, our communities, and the planet.

Our story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, started Somers Sanitation - named after our hometown of Somers, Connecticut. Today, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading our companies into the future. While our fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, we take pride in continuing to operate our businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided us since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people we serve. Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward to remain at the forefront of sustainability.

Some see waste. We see possibilities.


Murphy Road Recycling, LLC EEO Statement: The Company is committed to and supports equal employment opportunity and affirmative action to all employees and applicants. Equal employment opportunity means equal treatment of employees and applicants without regard to the following legally-protected characteristics: race, color, religion, creed, sex (gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), veteran status, physical or mental disability status or any other legally-protected status.