1

Excavator Shovel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Byhalia, MS · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Byhalia, MS Summary: The Excavator Operator maneuvers heavy, 360 ... Remove excess built up material at the end of shift using scraper and shovel, periodically the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Excavator Shovel Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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

Byhalia, MS • On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Yates Construction rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Excavator Operator

Location: Byhalia, MS

Summary:
The Excavator Operator maneuvers heavy, 360-degree rotating machinery to dig trenches, break concrete, lift heavy materials, and grade earth for construction, mining, or utility projects. Key duties include conducting pre-operational safety checks, interpreting site plans, and maintaining equipment, requiring 25 years of experience, mechanical aptitude, and strict safety compliance

Key Responsibilities:

  • Site Preparation: Clear land, excavate, and grade soil to established blueprints and project specifications.
  • Operation & Excavation: Operate the excavator to dig trenches, foundations, and holes, as well as load debris into trucks.
  • Maintenance & Safety: Perform daily safety inspections, including checking fluid levels, greasing joints, and cleaning tracks.
  • Attachment Use: Utilize specialized attachments such as hammers, breakers, and grapples.
  • Utility & Structure Work: Work around existing utilities with precision and assist in installing pipes and water lines.
  • Team Coordination: Communicate with ground personnel and project managers to ensure accurate digging, adhering to safety protocols.

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug screen with a Negative result.
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • 2 Years of Experience preferred.
  • License: Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
  • Driving Record: Clean driving record required to meet insurance standards.
  • Be willing to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold
  • Experience preferred.

Working Conditions:

  • Ascend/Descend ladder 8-10 feet to access equipment operating station.
  • Keep equipment moving along specified path to ensure equipment is processing material to required specifications.
  • Remove excess built up material at the end of shift using scraper and shovel, periodically the operator may need to use jack or chipping hammers.
  • May perform other duties as assigned by Forman or Manager.

Work Environment:

This role operates in both office and active construction site environments. Candidate must be able to perform site walks, attend field meetings, and ensure on-site safety and compliance.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities.

About Yates Construction

Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.

Our portfolio includes commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our clients business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.

Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.


What Yates Construction employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom