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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC

Blythe Construction

OPERATOR - EXCAVATOR

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Description United Infrastructure Group continues to be a leader in the transportation construction ... Role Overview: Excator Operator As an Excavator Operator at UIG, your primary function is to ...

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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do fly in fly out excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for fly in fly out excavator operator in Columbia, SC is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fly in fly out excavator operator?

To thrive as a Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator, you need experience operating heavy machinery, a valid excavator ticket, and often a high-risk work license or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS machine guidance systems, safety protocols, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability to remote environments, and teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and effective collaboration in demanding and isolated job sites.

What is a fly in fly out excavator operator?

A Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) Excavator Operator is a heavy equipment operator who typically works on remote mining or construction sites that are not close to major towns or cities. Instead of relocating, these workers are flown to the worksite for a set period (such as a week or two), then flown back home for a break. Their main responsibility is to operate excavators to move earth, rock, or other materials as part of site development, mining, or construction projects. The FIFO arrangement allows companies to access skilled labor for projects in isolated locations, while providing workers with blocks of time off between shifts. This role often requires flexibility, physical fitness, and the ability to work long hours in challenging environments.

What are the typical work schedules and living arrangements like for fly in fly out excavator operators?

FIFO Excavator Operators usually work on a rostered schedule, such as two weeks on site followed by one week off, though this can vary by employer and project location. While on site, operators commonly stay in company-provided accommodation, often referred to as 'camps,' which offer meals, laundry, and recreational facilities. The work environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among other machine operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams. Adapting to the remote lifestyle and extended periods away from home are common challenges, but many operators value the competitive pay and extended time off between shifts.

What is the difference between Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator vs Mobile Plant Operator?

AspectFly In Fly Out Excavator OperatorMobile Plant Operator
CertificationsExcavator license, HR or MC licenseHR license, machinery operation certification
Work EnvironmentRemote sites, construction, miningConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure
Employer & IndustryMining companies, civil constructionMining, construction, infrastructure projects

Both roles often require similar certifications and work in remote or construction environments. The main difference is that Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operators specialize in operating excavators specifically, often working on remote projects, while Mobile Plant Operators may operate a variety of machinery. Both are essential in mining and construction industries, with overlapping skills but different equipment focus.

What are popular job titles related to Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Columbia, SC? For Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings:
Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,335 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

OPERATOR - EXCAVATOR

Blythe Construction, Inc.

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Blythe Construction rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
United Infrastructure Group continues to be a leader in the transportation construction industry in the southeast with a 100+ year history of delivering successful projects by hiring exceptional employees to work in a professional family environment. UIG is committed to developing the best workforce possible by constantly recruiting, training, and promoting construction industry professionals throughout our organization.
Our comprehensive benefits package is custom designed to achieve that goal through access to the following benefits:
  • Highly Competitive Salaries
  • Generous Performance Bonuses
  • Robust Subsistence Allowances
  • Comprehensive Health Plans (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
  • Strong 401k Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan with 100% Matching Contributions up to 4% of compensation
  • Significant Paid Time Off
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Training, Education, Certification, and Qualification Assistance

Note: Benefits may vary based on position and length of employment.
Role Overview: Excator Operator
As an Excavator Operator at UIG, your primary function is to operate an excavator efficiently and safely on construction sites. You will be involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair of highway, heavy civil, and building structures. In addition to operating the excavator, you will assist with various duties around the job site as needed.
Typical Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Operates an Excavator to complete tasks such as digging, excavating, and move and/or transport materials such as dirt, rocks, and other types of aggregate
  • Must have knowledge of operating procedures as it pertains to loading and unloading materials
  • May oil, grease, service, and make normal maintenance adjustments on equipment; perform daily safety and maintenance checks; complete paperwork and other documentation as needed
  • May perform other related duties as required
  • Performing maintenance checks, implementing safety measures, handling inventories, repairing and maintaining equipment, and removing debris.
  • Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience:
  • 3-5 Years Operating Experience Preferred
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs; may be required to work in adverse weather conditions
  • Requires the ability to comply with all safety policies and procedures; communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure projects are completed properly
  • Possess a strong work ethic and desire to learn
  • Requires good manual dexterity; may be standing, bending, kneeling or sitting for long periods
  • Must have experience with operating Heavy Equipment.
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of bridges another structure such as highways and roads.
  • Must follow policies and procedures and support UIG's mission.

REQUIREMENTS: ALL Applicants must be:
  • 18 years of Age
  • Able to pass a Drug Test
  • Legally Eligible to Work in the US
  • Open to working different shifts if needed by the project
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from jobsite every workday (driver's license preferred)
  • Must provide own hand tools (excluding power tools)
  • Willingness to travel for project requirements (multi-state opportunities)

Please contact us at http://uig.net/main/careers or email: Recruiting@uig.net for assistance with applying.
UIG IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EOE) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (AA) EMPLOYER

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