1

Mini Excavator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator. * Ability to drive on a stop and start basis daily and continually. * Lifting, placing materials, standing, walking, turning, stooping, kneeling ...

Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator. * Ability to drive on a stop and start basis daily and continually. * Lifting, placing materials, standing, walking, turning, stooping, kneeling ...

Operator II (Mini Excavator) Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Pay Rate: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour DOE Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions:

Operator II (Mini Excavator) Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Pay Rate: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour DOE Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions:

Operate Mini Excavator and Hydro Excavator, as needed * Uses a hydrovac truck to perform non-destructive excavation and removal of debris in construction projects * Load and unload materials ...

Operate Mini Excavator and Hydro Excavator, as needed * Uses a hydrovac truck to perform non-destructive excavation and removal of debris in construction projects * Load and unload materials ...

Operate Mini Excavator and Hydro Excavator, as needed Uses a hydrovac truck to perform non-destructive excavation and removal of debris in construction projects Load and unload materials, ensuring ...

Hydrovac / CDL Driver

Ignacio, CO · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Operate Mini Excavator and Hydro Excavator, as needed * Uses a hydrovac truck to perform non-destructive excavation and removal of debris in construction projects * Load and unload materials ...

Equipment Operator

Colorado Springs, CO

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Examples of typical equipment operated will be a skid steer, backhoe, mini-excavator, loader, trencher, etc. Primary Responsibilities: * Operates the equipment as needed in support of concrete crew ...

This position will be required to operate a mini excavator to dig around live utilities. Operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner as required for placing utilities to new and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mini Excavator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do mini excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mini excavator in Colorado is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mini excavator?

A Mini Excavator job involves operating a compact excavator to dig, move, and grade earth on construction or landscaping sites. Operators use the machine to perform tasks like trenching, backfilling, and site preparation in confined or small areas. This role requires knowledge of safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and efficient machine handling. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience or certification in heavy equipment operation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a mini excavator operator?

A Mini Excavator Operator’s daily tasks typically include inspecting and maintaining their equipment, reading site plans, precisely digging, trenching, and backfilling as required by the job. Operators often work closely with supervisors, site managers, and other equipment operators to ensure each phase of a project is completed on schedule and within safety guidelines. In addition to hands-on operating duties, they may assist with site preparation, material moving, and routine documentation of work completed. This role offers variety each day and requires good communication and teamwork on busy worksites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mini excavator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mini Excavator Operator, you need hands-on experience operating compact excavating equipment, strong mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of safety protocols, proficiency with controls specific to mini excavators, and, in some cases, possession of relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and clear communication help operators succeed on job sites and coordinate with team members effectively. These skills ensure safe, precise excavation work and smooth collaboration within construction or landscaping projects.

What jobs can I do with a mini excavator?

Mini excavators are used in various construction, landscaping, and utility projects such as trenching, digging foundations, installing pipes, grading, and site preparation. They are suitable for small to medium-sized tasks in confined spaces and often require operator certification and familiarity with controls and safety procedures.
Infographic showing various Mini Excavator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,211 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

PRIM

Denver, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator

Primoris Services Corporation is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada.

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

We are actively hiring for an Equipment Operator who will be responsible for safely and effectively operating equipment, specifically the backhoe and mini excavator, for the installation of underground utilities. This position will also perform equipment inspections and may be required to perform daily maintenance of equipment. Frequent travel throughout the Denver Metro area is required. Fleets are located at our Commerce City, Colorado and Dove Valley, Colorado offices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Capable of tolerating sitting for long periods of time (up to entire workday) while operating equipment, including the constant use of hand and foot controls.
  • Must be able to maneuver under and over the equipment, as well as climb vertical steps into the cabs of machinery.
  • Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator.
  • Ability to drive on a stop and start basis daily and continually.
  • Lifting, placing materials, standing, walking, turning, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, crouching, speaking and hearing are required continuously.
  • Close vision is required for some functions and distance, and peripheral vision is required for safety.
  • Must be willing to work overtime as dictated by workload volumes.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Working experience in the utility distribution industry

Job Requirements:

  • CDL A
  • Fed Med Card
  • Requires technical thinking, and the ability to read standards and schematics.
  • Ability to follow company policies and procedures.
  • Must possess and maintain an appropriate and valid driver's license
  • Willing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety regulations.
  • Previous construction experience in any of the following areas: natural gas distribution/pipeline, electric, transmission, telecommunications, water, sewer, landscaping, concrete/asphalt, or agricultural.
  • Able to work outside in various weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 LBS and safely perform other physical work.
  • Travel to job locations within the Denver Metro area is required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Q3 Contracting is a drug-free environment, and all candidates are subject to drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a union position, which means additional benefits may be offered directly through the union. Some benefits may include health insurance, apprenticeship and skilled training, continuing education, pension plans, and other resources. For more information, contact the local union.

  • Pay and benefits determined by union contract
  • Competitive compensation paid weekly
  • Company vehicle provided
  • Paid sick leave as required by Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

Qualified Veterans, Minorities and Women encouraged to apply.