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Excavator Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Site Worker

Substation Construction Laborer

Raeford, NC · On-site

Site Work * Assist with trenching, backfilling, and excavation support activities. * Install grounding materials and conduit support systems. * Perform hand digging and grading as required. * Support ...

FD.io

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19/hr

Support grading, excavation, embankment, backfill, and paving operations * Maintain safe working distances from personnel, traffic, and other equipment * Perform daily equipment inspections and ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Support grading, excavation, embankment, backfill, and paving operations * Maintain safe working distances from personnel, traffic, and other equipment * Perform daily equipment inspections and ...

IE HCR Services, LLC

Grounds Crew

Pinehurst, NC · On-site

$14.79 - $17/hr

Use hand tools for excavation and backfilling of ditches and trenches. * Repair greens using seed or plugs as needed. * Operate utility vehicles on the course and road. * May operate mowers, dump ...

USIC

Utility Locator

Bennettsville, SC · On-site

$18/hr

We use best-in-class ticket and claims management systems to ensure clear and complete mark-out services for the excavator or property owner at the work site. Your Responsibilities as a Locator:

USIC

Utility Locator

Bennettsville, SC · On-site

$18/hr

We use best-in-class ticket and claims management systems to ensure clear and complete mark-out services for the excavator or property owner at the work site. Your Responsibilities as a Locator:

USIC

Utility Locator

Bennettsville, SC · On-site

$18/hr

We use best-in-class ticket and claims management systems to ensure clear and complete mark-out services for the excavator or property owner at the work site. Your Responsibilities as a Locator:

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All JobsExcavator JobsExcavator Jobs in Rockingham, NC

Excavator information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$17

$19

$23

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Rockingham, NC is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are excavators?

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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator, and why are they important?

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.
More about Excavator jobs
What job categories do people searching Excavator jobs in Rockingham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Excavator jobs? Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Excavator job openings:
Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Rockingham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,366 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Substation Construction Laborer

Substation Construction Laborer

Site Worker

Raeford, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $24-30/hour + $100 per diem/days worked

Substation Construction Laborer

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Position Type: Part-Time


Position Summary

We are seeking experienced Substation Construction Laborers to support the construction of a new electrical substation in Raeford, North Carolina. This position will assist substation electricians, linemen, equipment operators, and construction crews with material handling, steel staging, grounding installation, site preparation, and general construction activities.

The ideal candidate has previous experience working on substation, utility, industrial, heavy civil, or power infrastructure projects and is comfortable working around cranes, heavy equipment, structural steel, and high-voltage electrical installations.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Material Handling & Steel Staging

  • Receive, organize, stage, and inventory construction materials.
  • Stack, sort, and organize structural steel members for installation crews.
  • Assist with unloading deliveries using forklifts, telehandlers, and cranes.
  • Maintain organized laydown yards and material storage areas.
  • Identify and stage steel components according to construction drawings and crew requirements.

Construction Support

  • Assist substation electricians and linemen with daily construction activities.
  • Support structural steel erection operations.
  • Assist with installation of grounding systems and ground conductors.
  • Install markers, warning tape, and site protection materials.
  • Perform site cleanup and housekeeping activities.

Equipment & Rigging Support

  • Assist crane operators and rigging crews during material movement activities.
  • Transport materials, tools, and equipment throughout the project site.
  • Safely secure and organize construction materials.
  • Assist with equipment assembly and installation support activities.

Site Work

  • Assist with trenching, backfilling, and excavation support activities.
  • Install grounding materials and conduit support systems.
  • Perform hand digging and grading as required.
  • Support punch-list and project closeout activities.

Safety

  • Follow all OSHA, company, client, and site-specific safety requirements.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
  • Maintain proper use of PPE.
  • Work safely around cranes, heavy equipment, excavation activities, and electrical construction operations.


Qualifications

Required

  • Minimum 1 year of construction experience.
  • Experience handling and staging construction materials.
  • Ability to safely lift, carry, and move construction materials.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team.
  • Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

  • Previous substation construction experience.
  • Experience stacking and staging structural steel.
  • Heavy civil, industrial, utility, or power infrastructure construction experience.
  • Forklift or telehandler experience.
  • OSHA 10 certification.
  • Basic rigging and signaling experience.
  • Experience working around cranes and heavy equipment.


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work throughout the shift.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work in outdoor construction environments.
  • Ability to work extended hours and overtime as required.


Compensation & Benefits

  • $24-$30 per hour, depending on experience.
  • Overtime opportunities available.
  • Per diem for days worked.


Preferred Experience

Candidates with previous experience on electrical substations, switchyards, transmission and distribution projects, power plants, industrial facilities, renewable energy projects, or heavy civil infrastructure projects are strongly encouraged to apply.