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Mini Excavator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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:

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:

Communicate professionally with customers, office staff, and coworkers Qualifications - Do You Have What it Takes? * 1+ years experience operating a mini excavator required * Underground residential ...

Communicate professionally with customers, office staff, and coworkers Qualifications Qualifications - Do You Have What it Takes? * 1+ years experience operating a mini excavator required

Backhoe Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Communicate professionally with customers, office staff, and coworkers Qualifications Qualifications - Do You Have What it Takes? * 1+ years experience operating a mini excavator required

Backhoe Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Communicate professionally with customers, office staff, and coworkers Qualifications Qualifications - Do You Have What it Takes? * 1+ years experience operating a mini excavator required

Showing results 21-40

Mini Excavator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do mini excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 and landscaping jobs, including trenching, digging foundations, utility installation, grading, and small-scale demolition. They are suitable for work in confined spaces and require operator certification and safety training. These machines are commonly employed in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

What job categories do people searching Mini Excavator jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Mini Excavator jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Mini Excavator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,211 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

CDL Operator II - New Con

SiteWise

Henderson, CO • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance services, including repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation of natural gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure through our operating subsidiaries: SiteWise, Kelly Cable, Riley Brothers, and Superior Pipeline Services.
Position Title: 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:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The Operator II is a valued member of a 2-4-person construction crew, has full knowledge of operations, and is an expert in heavy equipment. Operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner as required for placing utilities to new and existing residential homes, multifamily and commercial units. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers, backhoes, loaders, and other pieces of equipment. (A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for this position).
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Operates, maneuvers, navigates, or drives vehicles or mechanized equipment or passenger vehicles.
  • Uses either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes.
  • Inspects equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards and communicates abnormal working conditions to appropriate parties.
  • Provides mid-level laborer functions including hand digging with a shovel, setting up traffic control, equipment operations, loading materials, etc. on various safety sensitive utility construction sites.
  • Proficient with utility print and map reading.
  • Has performed at least 6 months of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini); knows all safety regulations with basic operating skills.
  • Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs.
  • Exposes underground utilities manually.
  • Utilizes defensive driving practices.
  • Operates truck in a manner that ensures compliance with all applicable company, state and federal safety regulations.
  • Follows required company and DOT reporting procedures.
  • Maintains paperwork during the day including DVIR and driver's log book.
  • Ensures the truck has current licenses, tags, permits, and proof of insurance.
  • Clean, Grease, checks fluid levels and conducts a visual inspection of equipment to assure your equipment is performing at optimum safety and the required paperwork.
  • Working alongside with another team member taking hand signals to safely excavate a site.
  • Follows 811 digging laws and company's safe digging practices.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Success Factors:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Ability to lift up to 80 lbs multiple times during a work shift.
  • Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces, on uneven surfaces, walking, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with co-workers.
  • Ability to pass motor vehicle, criminal background check, and comply with drug-free workplace policy.
  • English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports.
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills.

Experience and Education:
  • One (1+) plus years of experience in backhoe/mini excavator operation is required.
  • One (1+) plus years of experience digging and working around underground utilities is required.
  • Two (2+) plus years of demonstrated experience in dry utilities preferred.
  • Three (3+) plus years' experience in a construction role is required.
  • Class A CDL Required.
  • Experience reading basic prints and Underground Facility Location Sketch is preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-to-year basis.

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • Maintain valid Commercial Driver's License CDL Class A.
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.