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Freelance Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Reno, NV

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Excavator * Motor Grader * Wheel Scraper * Front End Loader * Haul Truck * Water Pull * Dozer ... F and P Construction is family owned and operated. We specialize in industrial construction and ...

Laborer

Reno, NV · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

About Walsh Reclamation Walsh Reclamation is a locally owned and operated company with over 75 ... Position Summary The Laborer supports exploration, excavation, and reclamation operations by ...

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... excavators, backhoes, and other construction and industrial machinery. The ideal candidate will ... F and P Construction is family owned and operated. We specialize in industrial construction and ...

... excavation and shoring experience a plus; heavy civil or pipeline experience preferred; must pass ... As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company ...

... excavation and shoring experience a plus; heavy civil or pipeline experience preferred; must pass ... As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company ...

Equipment Mechanic - Field

Reno, NV · On-site

$38.50 - $48.50/hr

Altec, family-owned since 1929, has the reach and resources of a large organization with the heart ... Utilize all technical support resources (such as operator, parts, and maintenance manuals ...

Freelance Excavator Owner Operator information

See Reno, NV salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do freelance excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance excavator owner operator in Reno, NV is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Excavator Owner Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFreelance Excavator Owner OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsValid excavator operator license, certifications, and ownership of equipmentTypically requires a valid excavator operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, working on various projects and sitesEmployed by construction companies or contractors, working on specific sites
Employer/Industry UsageIndependent contractor serving multiple clientsEmployee or subcontractor within a company or firm
Search/Comparison IntentFreelance Excavator Owner Operator vs Excavator Operator

The main difference is that a Freelance Excavator Owner Operator owns their equipment and works independently, managing multiple projects. An Excavator Operator is typically employed by a company, working on specific sites without owning the equipment. Both roles require similar certifications, but the freelance owner operator has more control over their work and clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Reno, NV?

The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Reno, NV are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Freelance Excavator Owner Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Excavator Owner Operator job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,248 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Mainline Excavator Operator - Sparks, NV

Sundt

Sparks, NV • On-site

$45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Sundt rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Excavator Operator:

Must have at least 2 years' experience operating heavy equipment Excavator; preferred experience in underground utility such as sewer system, storm drain, water line; excavation and shoring experience a plus; heavy civil or pipeline experience preferred; must be available for overtime as needed; must pass pre-employment drug testing; pay is $45/hr. depending on experience and abilities; $120 days worked per diem for qualified candidates over 90 miles; work schedule 50 hours; anticipated project duration is approximately 1 year. 

Job Summary

Safely operates a variety of heavy equipment, not limited to; backhoes, excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, haul trucks, dump trucks, water trucks.  Will be responsible for preventative maintenance and pre-shift walk around of the assigned equipment to assure safe operation.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Maintain positive working relationships with all members of the crew.
  2. Produce high quality work, safely and productively at all times.
  3. Provide feedback to ensure all materials, tools, equipment and information is available for the work.
  4. Look for opportunities for improvement in all tasks, means and methods regarding the work and be willing to learn from others.
  5. Continually seek opportunities to share knowledge and teach others.
  6. High proficiency in all related equipment preventative maintenance.
  7. Inspect subordinates work, ensure accuracy and compliance with plans and specifications, explain deficiencies and take any necessary corrective action.
  8. Eliminate WASTE such as waiting, rework, transporting, material storage and time.

Minimum Job Requirements

  1. Must have a minimum of three years (level I), four years (level II), five years (level III) and six plus years' experience in the industrial/commercial construction industry and have an in-depth understanding of the operation of various types of heavy construction equipment.
  2. Must be able to read and understand drawings, specifications, safety and quality standards and effectively utilize all trade tools and equipment relevant to the work.
  3. Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.

Note: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

  1. Work up to a 12 hour shift doing hard physical work in varying temperatures and outside conditions.
  2. Will climb and maintain balance on steel/wood framework, stairs, ladders and scaffolds.
  3. Will lift, push or pull objects up to 50lbs. on an occasional basis.
  4. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  5. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  6. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  7. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  8. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat,  vest, etc.)
  9. Move in and around confined, cluttered and uneven areas.

Safety Level

     Safety-Sensitive

Note: Jobs with the Safety-Sensitive designation are those that include tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others such as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing/maintaining the operation of any vehicle/equipment, the handling/disposal/transport of hazardous materials, or the handling/treatment/disposal of potentially flammable/combustible materials.

As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company, you're joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you'll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we're passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.

At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We're driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.

Benefit list:
  • Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
  • Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
  • Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Workplace Wellness Programs
  • Mental Health Program
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee-Owner Perks
  • Educational Assistance
  • Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program

What Sundt employees say

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