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Precision Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and foundations, as well as general earthwork and grading. The ideal candidate has strong experience ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and foundations, as well as general earthwork and grading. The ideal candidate has strong experience ...

G&M WORKS LLC

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Excavator Operator

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform precision excavation for utilities, foundations, drainage, and landscape features. * Rough and fine grading of sites to meet plan specifications and elevations. * Read and interpret ...

Urgent

Kenny Seng Construction

Mainline Excavator

Provo, UT · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Precision Excavation:Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline, sewer, storm drain, and water pipe according to project plans. * Utility Safety:Masterfully excavate around existing utilities ...

Kenny Seng Construction

Mainline Excavator

Provo, UT · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Precision Excavation: Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline, sewer, storm drain, and water pipe according to project plans. * Utility Safety: Masterfully excavate around existing utilities ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and foundations, as well as general earthwork and grading. The ideal candidate has strong experience ...

Kenny Seng Construction

Mainline Excavator

Provo, UT

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Precision Excavation:Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline, sewer, storm drain, and water pipe according to project plans. * Utility Safety:Masterfully excavate around existing utilities ...

Kenny Seng Construction

Mainline Excavator

Provo, UT · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Precision Excavation: Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline, sewer, storm drain, and water pipe according to project plans. * Utility Safety: Masterfully excavate around existing utilities ...

Essel

Hydro Vac Operator

Stockton, CA

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

Essel

Hydro Vac Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

Essel

Hydro Vac Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

G&M WORKS LLC

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Island Park, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform precision excavation for utilities, foundations, drainage, and landscape features. * Rough and fine grading of sites to meet plan specifications and elevations. * Read and interpret ...

Urgent

G&M WORKS LLC

Be Seen First

Skid Steer Operator

Bronx, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform precision excavation for utilities, foundations, drainage, and landscape features. * Rough and fine grading of sites to meet plan specifications and elevations. * Read and interpret ...

Urgent

G&M WORKS LLC

Be Seen First

Construction Equipment Operator

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform precision excavation for utilities, foundations, drainage, and landscape features. * Rough and fine grading of sites to meet plan specifications and elevations. * Read and interpret ...

Urgent

G&M WORKS LLC

Be Seen First

Site Development Equipment Operator

Queens, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Perform precision excavation for utilities, foundations, drainage, and landscape features. * Rough and fine grading of sites to meet plan specifications and elevations. * Read and interpret ...

Urgent

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels) * Operate excavators, mini ...

Benchmark Utility Services

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels) * Operate excavators, mini ...

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Precision Excavation information

See salary details

$10

$22

$32

How much do precision excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision excavation in the United States is $22.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in precision excavation, and how can they be overcome?

Precision excavation specialists often encounter challenges such as working in tight or sensitive areas, adhering to strict tolerances, and preventing utility damage. To overcome these, professionals rely on advanced technologies like GPS-guided equipment and collaborate closely with project managers and surveyors to ensure accuracy. Regular training on the latest machinery and strict adherence to safety protocols also help mitigate risks and ensure high-quality outcomes.

What is the difference between Precision Excavation vs Trenching and Excavation Worker?

AspectPrecision ExcavationTrenching and Excavation Worker
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operationOSHA safety training, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, specialized excavation projectsConstruction sites, general excavation tasks
Job FocusPrecise excavation, site preparation, utility installationDigging trenches, site clearing, basic excavation

Precision Excavation involves detailed, precise work often requiring specialized equipment and skills for complex projects. Trenching and Excavation Workers perform more general digging tasks, focusing on trenching and site preparation. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but Precision Excavation emphasizes accuracy and specialized techniques.

What is precision excavation?

Precision excavation is a specialized process in construction and civil engineering that involves carefully removing soil, rock, or other materials to exact specifications. This method uses advanced technology such as GPS, laser guidance, and specialized machinery to achieve highly accurate results, minimizing damage to surrounding areas and underground utilities. Precision excavation is commonly used in projects requiring tight tolerances, such as utility installations, foundation work, and archaeological digs. By improving accuracy, it reduces the risk of costly mistakes and increases efficiency on the job site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Precision Excavation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Precision Excavation Specialist, you need expertise in operating excavation machinery, a strong understanding of site plans, and knowledge of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with GPS-guided equipment, laser grading systems, and possibly certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring accuracy and teamwork on complex job sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for minimizing errors, maintaining safety, and delivering precise excavation results that meet project specifications.
More about Precision Excavation jobs
What cities are hiring for Precision Excavation jobs? Cities with the most Precision Excavation job openings:
What states have the most Precision Excavation jobs? States with the most job openings for Precision Excavation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Precision Excavation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Precision Excavation jobs are:
Precision Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Precision Excavation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,598 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Jurgensen Companies

Walton, KY • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Safely operate hydraulic excavators for trenching, utility installation, and site preparation.

  • Excavate for storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main installations.

  • Set trench boxes and shore trenches in accordance with safety standards.

Job description

Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and foundations, as well as general earthwork and grading.
The ideal candidate has strong experience operating hydraulic excavators in utility and concrete-heavy environments, with a commitment to safety, accuracy, and team collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate hydraulic excavators for trenching, utility installation, and site preparation
  • Excavate for storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main installations
  • Set trench boxes and shore trenches in accordance with safety standards
  • Dig around existing utilities with precision and care
  • Assist with grading and backfilling activities as part of the dirt crew
  • Coordinate with ground crew and foremen to ensure accurate cuts and slopes
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance

Other Responsibilities:
  • Operating heavy equipment as assigned while maintaining a "crew-first" mindset; this includes performing essential manual labor and ground-support tasks as dictated by project needs. Duties include, but are not limited to, shoveling asphalt, concrete, pipe installation, hand-digging, grade checking, traffic control, and general site restoration.

Field Support Duties:
  • Hand-shoveling and raking of paving materials (asphalt, concrete, stone, or dirt).
  • Assisting with utility installation, including pipe laying and bedding.
  • Manual grease and maintenance of equipment components using power and hand tools.
  • Setting up and moving traffic control devices and safety signage.
  • Perform all other ancillary duties and manual tasks customary to a heavy construction or civil engineering site to ensure project continuity and crew safety.

Physical & Mental Demands:
  • Local travel traditionally
  • Required overtime
  • Seasonal layoffs
  • Extensive physical activity
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb and kneel on uneven terrain for extended periods of time in all weather conditions (heat, rain, cold).
  • Must work outdoors and in all weather conditions/terrain
  • Ability to safely mount and dismount heavy equipment multiple times per shift.
  • Could be asked to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as an excavator operator in underground utility and earthwork environments
  • Ability to read and interpret site plans and grade stakes
  • Familiarity with trench safety and OSHA excavation standards
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Reliable transportation and a strong work ethic

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