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Excavator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our ...

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our ...

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Excavator information

See Alaska salary details

$22

$25

$29

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Alaska is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavator?

Excavators are heavy construction machines used for digging, lifting, and moving large objects or materials like soil, rocks, and debris. They typically consist of a boom, stick, bucket, and a cab mounted on a rotating platform. Excavators are widely used in construction, mining, landscaping, and demolition projects due to their versatility and efficiency. Their hydraulic systems allow for precise control and powerful digging capabilities. Different attachments can be fitted to excavators for specialized tasks, making them essential equipment on many job sites.

What does an excavator operator do?

An excavator operator controls and maintains an excavator, which is a piece of heavy machinery used to dig trenches and other holes necessary for laying piping and other infrastructure. In this career, you typically work in the civil engineering or commercial construction field. In addition to digging trenches, your responsibilities include laying the piping, maintaining and inspecting your equipment, and performing routine safety checks on the vehicles. As an excavator operator, your duties may include including operating other heavy equipment as needed on the construction site as well.

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

To thrive as an Excavator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, GPS machine control, and certifications such as OSHA safety training or a heavy equipment operator license are typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team help an excavator excel on complex job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise work, minimizing risks and supporting project success.

What are some common challenges faced by excavators on construction sites, and how can they be addressed?

Excavators frequently encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and coordinating with other equipment operators and site personnel. These challenges can be addressed by thorough site assessment, effective communication with the team, and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, ongoing training in equipment operation and hazard recognition helps excavators adapt to changing site conditions and maintain productivity.

What is the difference between Excavator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavatorBackhoe Operator
CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, demolition projectsConstruction sites, utility work
EquipmentLarge tracked excavatorsBackhoe loaders with front bucket and rear excavator arm
Primary UseDigging large trenches, heavy liftingExcavation, loading, small to medium digging tasks

While both excavators and backhoe operators work in construction and excavation, excavators are larger machines used for heavy-duty digging and lifting, often on large projects. Backhoe operators handle smaller, versatile equipment suitable for utility work and smaller excavations. The choice depends on project size and scope.

How do you get an excavator job?

To get an excavator job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and a valid commercial driver's license if operating heavy equipment on public roads. Many employers also require OSHA safety training and certification in operating excavators, along with physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.
More about Excavator jobs

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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,917 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Granite

Anchorage, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Granite Telecommunications rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 99 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials.

*This is a union-represented position*

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.

  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.

  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • Proper certification required

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits

  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings

  • Follow instructions and meet set standards

  • Judge distances and slopes accurately

  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch

  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully

  • See well (either naturally or with correction)

  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For additional information on applicant/employee rights please clickhere.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place.Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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