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Excavator Shovel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Hand-shoveling and raking of paving materials (asphalt, concrete, stone, or dirt). * Assisting with utility installation, including pipe laying and bedding. * Manual grease and maintenance of ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Hand-shoveling and raking of paving materials (asphalt, concrete, stone, or dirt). * Assisting with utility installation, including pipe laying and bedding. * Manual grease and maintenance of ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Hand-shoveling and raking of paving materials (asphalt, concrete, stone, or dirt). * Assisting with utility installation, including pipe laying and bedding. * Manual grease and maintenance of ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Fountain, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Additionally, the excavator operator will perform other duties necessary for daily operations throughout the plant, such as greasing, shoveling and safely maintaining work areas by ensuring these ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Additionally, the excavator operator will perform other duties necessary for daily operations throughout the plant, such as greasing, shoveling and safely maintaining work areas by ensuring these ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Additionally, the excavator operator will perform other duties necessary for daily operations throughout the plant, such as greasing, shoveling and safely maintaining work areas by ensuring these ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Additionally, the excavator operator will perform other duties necessary for daily operations throughout the plant, such as greasing, shoveling and safely maintaining work areas by ensuring these ...

Branch Group

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$42K - $70K/yr

The Excavator Operator operates power shovel on which digger is pulled toward machine to excavate. All machines will be over ½ cubic yard. Duties/Responsibilities Grades to line and grade May ...

LaMontagne Builders, Inc

Excavator Operator

Concord, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Excavator Operator Compensation: $25.00 to $35.00 per hour. Job Location: All construction sites ... Shoveling, raking, sweeping, etc. * Use power tools All applicants will be asked to demonstrate ...

LaMontagne Builders, Inc

Excavator Operator

Exeter, NH

$25 - $35/hr

Excavator Operator Compensation: $25.00 to $35.00 per hour. Job Location: All construction sites ... Shoveling, raking, sweeping, etc. * Use power tools All applicants will be asked to demonstrate ...

Branch Highways

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$42K - $70K/yr

The Excavator Operator operates power shovel on which digger is pulled toward machine to excavate. All machines will be over cubic yard. Duties/Responsibilities * Grades to line and grade * May ...

Branch Civil

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$42K - $70K/yr

The Excavator Operator operates power shovel on which digger is pulled toward machine to excavate. All machines will be over ½ cubic yard. Duties/Responsibilities * Grades to line and grade * May ...

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Excavator Shovel Operator information

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How much do excavator shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator shovel operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavator shovel operator do?

An Excavator Shovel Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators and shovels, to dig, move, and load soil, rocks, or other materials at construction, mining, or excavation sites. They follow site plans and safety guidelines to ensure efficient and safe operations. Operators also perform routine checks and maintenance on their equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance. Attention to detail and coordination with other workers are key aspects of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator shovel operator?

To thrive as an Excavator Shovel Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, basic mechanical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS-based grade control systems, hydraulics, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong spatial awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient, and precise equipment operation, which is critical for productivity and workplace safety on construction sites.

What are some common challenges excavator shovel operators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Excavator Shovel Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling uneven terrain, and maintaining equipment safety. To address these, operators receive thorough safety training, follow strict maintenance schedules, and communicate regularly with site supervisors and other team members. Additionally, they adapt their techniques based on site-specific requirements and collaborate closely with ground crews to ensure efficient and safe operations.

What is the difference between Excavator Shovel Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator Shovel OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) and OSHA certificationSimilar certifications, often including CDL and OSHA training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy equipment operationConstruction, utility, and landscaping projects
UsagePrimarily for digging, lifting, and moving large materialsVersatile for digging, trenching, and loading

Both Excavator Shovel Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction environments, often requiring similar certifications. While excavator operators focus on large-scale digging and lifting with heavy machinery, backhoe operators handle a wider range of tasks with a versatile machine. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for specific project needs.

What cities are hiring for Excavator Shovel Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Excavator Shovel Operator job openings:

What states have the most Excavator Shovel Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Excavator Shovel Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Shovel Operator jobs?

For Excavator Shovel Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Excavator Shovel Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY • On-site

Jurgensen Companies
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Jurgensen Companiesexternal

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and foundations, as well as general earthwork and grading. The ideal candidate has strong experience operating hydraulic excavators in utility and concrete-heavy environments, with a commitment to safety, accuracy, and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate hydraulic excavators for trenching, utility installation, and site preparation
  • Excavate for storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main installations
  • Set trench boxes and shore trenches in accordance with safety standards
  • Dig around existing utilities with precision and care
  • Assist with grading and backfilling activities as part of the dirt crew
  • Coordinate with ground crew and foremen to ensure accurate cuts and slopes
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance

Other Responsibilities:

  • Operating heavy equipment as assigned while maintaining a "crew-first" mindset; this includes performing essential manual labor and ground-support tasks as dictated by project needs. Duties include, but are not limited to, shoveling asphalt, concrete, pipe installation, hand-digging, grade checking, traffic control, and general site restoration.

Field Support Duties:

  • Hand-shoveling and raking of paving materials (asphalt, concrete, stone, or dirt).
  • Assisting with utility installation, including pipe laying and bedding.
  • Manual grease and maintenance of equipment components using power and hand tools.
  • Setting up and moving traffic control devices and safety signage.
  • Perform all other ancillary duties and manual tasks customary to a heavy construction or civil engineering site to ensure project continuity and crew safety.

Physical & Mental Demands:

  • Local travel traditionally
  • Required overtime
  • Seasonal layoffs
  • Extensive physical activity
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb and kneel on uneven terrain for extended periods of time in all weather conditions (heat, rain, cold).
  • Must work outdoors and in all weather conditions/terrain
  • Ability to safely mount and dismount heavy equipment multiple times per shift.
  • Could be asked to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as an excavator operator in underground utility and earthwork environments
  • Ability to read and interpret site plans and grade stakes
  • Familiarity with trench safety and OSHA excavation standards
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Reliable transportation and a strong work ethic

EOE/M/F/Disabled/Veteran/DFSP

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