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Mini Excavator Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... operating a mini-excavator and all other equipment, hold a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and medical card and will move up in pay. * Ambitious team player. The only way to succeed in this ...

... mini excavator, vacuum truck, bore machine, and other heavy equipment. • Must have a valid driver's license. * Possession of a commercial driver's license (CDL) with tanker endorsement or a ...

Water Operator

Sunriver, OR · On-site

$27.90 - $42.40/hr

Water Operator Non-Union Position WTR-Operations Staff-Sunriver 2; Sunriver, Oregon (US-OR) Regular ... mini excavator, vac trailer and tractors. * Participate in the design and planning of new and ...

Water Operator

Sunriver, OR · On-site

$27.90 - $42.40/hr

Water Operator Non-Union Position WTR-Operations Staff-Sunriver 2; Sunriver, Oregon (US-OR) Regular ... mini excavator, vac trailer and tractors. * Participate in the design and planning of new and ...

Be Seen First

Cleanups Equipment Operation & Maintenance Must be proficient in operating and maintaining the ... Mini excavators * Trenchers * Ability to diagnose basic equipment repairs Requirements * Valid ...

Be Seen First

Cleanups Equipment Operation & Maintenance Must be proficient in operating and maintaining the ... Mini excavators * Trenchers * Ability to diagnose basic equipment repairs Requirements * Valid ...

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Bend, OR · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Experience towing trailers and operating diesel pickup trucks * Mechanical aptitude with equipment ... Familiarity with skid steers, mini excavators, generators, trailers, or compact construction ...

Lead Rental Technician - Portland, OR

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$46K - $60K/yr

... mini-excavators, etc.) in a group of The Home Depot stores or customer job sites in the vicinity ... operating procedures; Supports rental centers by explaining the large equipment program and ...

Mini Excavator Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do mini excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mini excavator operator in Oregon is $27.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the going rate for an Excavator Operator?

The average hourly rate for a Mini Excavator Operator ranges from $20 to $35, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating various machinery may command higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or for specialized tasks.

What is a Mini Excavator Operator job?

A Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating a small excavator to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites. They work in various industries, including construction, landscaping, and utilities. Operators must have experience maneuvering the equipment safely, understanding job site plans, and performing basic maintenance. Attention to safety protocols is essential to prevent accidents and damage. Some positions may require certification or specific training depending on the employer and location.

What's the hourly rate for a mini excavator?

The hourly rate for operating a mini excavator typically ranges from $20 to $40, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Operators with specialized skills or certifications may earn higher wages, and rates can vary based on the work environment and project duration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mini Excavator Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mini Excavator Operator, you need practical experience in operating heavy equipment, a solid understanding of safety protocols, and typically a valid operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with controls and attachments of mini excavators, as well as routine maintenance procedures, is essential. Attention to detail, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility are key soft skills that help operators work effectively within teams and on diverse job sites. These abilities ensure efficient, precise, and safe operation, minimizing risks and maximizing project productivity.

What does a typical day look like for a Mini Excavator Operator on a construction site?

A typical day for a Mini Excavator Operator involves performing safety checks on equipment, maneuvering the machine in tight workspaces, and completing tasks such as trenching, grading, or digging based on project needs. Operators coordinate closely with site supervisors and other crew members to understand job requirements and adjust to changing site conditions. Daily responsibilities also include monitoring equipment performance and conducting minor maintenance when necessary. This role requires adaptability, as project priorities may shift throughout the day, but it offers a dynamic environment where teamwork and technical skill are valued.

How much can I make with a mini excavator?

Mini excavator operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or landscaping can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for heavy equipment operators.

Are excavator operators in demand?

Excavator operators are in demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors, especially in regions with active development projects. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are often sought after, and employment opportunities tend to increase with ongoing construction activity and infrastructure improvements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mini Excavator Operator jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Mini Excavator Operator jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Mini Excavator Operator job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,524 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Excavation Crew Member and Labor

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Seattle

Gladstone, OR • On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers proud tradespeople a noble, long-term career doing work that matters with a team that does it right


$24 to $33 / hour and full benefits at a 75-person company owned 100% by a husband and wife who work with the team - not a private equity firm with owners outside the industry (see more at the bottom of this listing). 


When most people drive by a jobsite they see a group of workers digging a trench. Do you instead see a team of skilled professionals restoring a family’s quality of life by repairing their access to clean water and health-preserving sanitation?

Do you take satisfaction from hard work, building things, and proving yourself by knocking out the challenging jobs most people are not even willing to try? 

Do you have the big-picture vision to see a well-paying, entry-level role as only the first step in a series of jobs within a company that quickly increase in responsibility and compensation?

Are you a courteous professional who would relish partnering with your colleagues in the office and in the field to add another customer comment like this to the team’s collection of 2,500 five-star reviews?

We had a sewer line clog that's been on-and off for years. Mr. Rooter - our long-time drain go-to service - diagnosed a very complex set of sewer and storm drain pipes, found our issue, and avoided removing a 100-year old tree. The entire team at Mr. Rooter Portland, from the front office to supervisor and dig crew, were fantastic, friendly, and made several trips to make sure all was completed perfectly. I recommend them highly for any drain/sewer work. (Yelp Review) 


At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Vancouver we protect the health of our community through the most clean, courteous, and professional resolution of water and wastewater system problems. If you bring high character and ambition, we will welcome you into a noble, long-term career and support you to grow within this team.

What Mr. Rooter Plumbing expects of the Excavation Crew Member

The role of the Excavation Crew Member is to perform general labor as part of a small team to repair and replace sewer and storm lines. The majority of jobs involve existing systems in residential neighborhoods, not new construction or commercial work. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Travel daily, in all weather conditions, from our Gladstone, OR shop to jobsites across the greater Portland & Vancouver metropolitan area by driving company vehicles towing equipment trailers.
  • Maintain a safe jobsite. Learn and follow all safety procedures and Personal Protective Equipment in compliance with OSHA requirements.
  • Dig trenches with a mini-excavator and by hand to expose sewer and storm lines
  • Repair and replace underground pipe and then pass government quality inspections
  • Restore the customer’s property with care and attention

 The ideal candidate brings these attributes and experiences:


  •  Exemplifies the clean, courteous, professional attributes of the Mr. Rooter brand. This is messy work; we’re digging holes and dealing with pipes full of water. But, we always leave the customer’s property in great shape and our team is regularly complimented by homeowners for how we conduct ourselves on the jobsite. If you can smile even when you are standing in a muddy hole, you will be a great fit.
  • Fast learner, comfortable with process. We can teach you how to excel in this job – our company has done it for 25 years and knows the most efficient, safest processes for excavation work. Commit to learning and you will be fine.
  • Candidates with experience and demonstrated skills earn more on day one. Over time, every Excavation Crew Member must complete all safety courses, demonstrate mastery operating a mini-excavator and all other equipment, hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and medical card and will move up in pay. 
  • Ambitious team player. The only way to succeed in this role is to commit to working with the whole Excavation Crew. Ideal candidates want to get jobs done the right way as efficiently as possible and they both offer help and accept help to make it happen. 

How Mr. Rooter Plumbing supports the Excavation Crew Member

The Excavation Crew Member will join a supportive team with an Operations Manager who has served at Mr. Rooter for 18 years and previously led the excavation crews himself. There is no better coach for this role. In addition to supportive management, Mr. Rooter provides the tools and equipment required to succeed and advance:

  • Vast potential market and a service that is non-discretionary.  Every home reaches an age where it requires sewer line repair and in our region tree roots wreak havoc on sewer lines and accelerate issues. There is a lot of available work.
  • Proven history of generating business to keep crews working. Mr. Rooter has performed residential sewer excavation for 25 years in Portland & Vancouver. We employ a full-time sales team to fill the calendar with excavation jobs and every customer visit by our plumbers to fix a clogged drain has the possibility to discover a new job for the excavation crews.
  • Investment in tools, equipment, and vehicles. Each crew is fully equipped with a dump truck, mini-excavator, and every tool required. If your crew needs something to get the job done safely and correctly, we will provide it.
  • Progress into other roles at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. With demonstrated mastery of this role Excavation Crew Members have options for promotion to Excavation Crew Leaders, shifting to the Water System Service Professional track and running calls in their own company truck, or even pursuing the plumbing apprenticeship program. 

Total compensation and benefits include:

  • $24 to $33/hour based on qualifications.
  • Earn $3/hour raise when you earn a Class A CDL (we will pay for your class). 
  • 401K with employer generous match and immediate vesting. 100% match on the first 3%, 50% match on the next 2%.
  • 3 weeks of paid time off
  • 6 paid holidays
  • Excellent medical insurance with $5,100 per year paid toward your premium by Mr. Rooter

Apply today to learn more and explore whether Mr. Rooter is the right place for your new start.


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