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Remote Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Excavator Operator information

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$13

$25

$41

How much do remote excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote excavator operator in Virginia is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote excavator operator?

A Remote Excavator Operator controls heavy excavation equipment from a distance using wireless technology, cameras, and sensors. This role is often used in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments such as mining, demolition, or disaster recovery. Operators maintain precision and safety while maneuvering equipment remotely, reducing risks associated with on-site operations. Strong technical skills and experience with excavator controls are essential for this position.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a remote excavator operator?

To thrive as a Remote Excavator Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, attention to safety protocols, and prior experience with excavation work, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with remote operation control systems, GPS-based technologies, and sometimes certification from recognized vocational or operator training programs is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain focused and proactive while working independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and precise excavation work, even when working offsite or in distributed teams.

What are the unique challenges faced by remote excavator operators compared to traditional on-site operators?

Remote Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as limited physical visibility of the job site, requiring a high reliance on camera feeds, sensors, and real-time data to operate machinery accurately. Communication with on-site teams is crucial, as operators must coordinate closely with ground personnel to ensure safety and correct execution of tasks. Another unique aspect is maintaining focus over long periods while monitoring screens and adjusting for any lag in remote controls. Adapting quickly to new technologies and staying updated with remote operation systems can also be essential for long-term career growth in this evolving field.

How much does a remote excavator operator make?

A remote excavator operator typically earns between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with certifications like OSHA or NCCCO may command higher wages, especially if working on specialized or large-scale projects.

Where do remote excavator operators make the most money?

Remote excavator operators tend to earn higher wages in regions with strong construction and infrastructure development, such as areas experiencing large-scale projects or high demand for skilled labor. Factors like experience, certifications, and working with advanced machinery can also influence earning potential, regardless of location.
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia? For Remote Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Excavator Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Excavator Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Excavator Operator job openings:
Remote Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Excavator Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Damage Prevention Technician I - Manassas, VA

Zayo Group, LLC

Manassas, VA • On-site, Remote

$16.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
Damage Prevention Technician I
Zayo's Damage Prevention Team is responsible for protecting Zayo's infrastructure by accurately locating and marking Zayo utilities, acting as the first line of defense in preventing damages and ensuring safety from utility strikes during excavation and construction activities.
As an entry level Damage Prevention Technician, you will be responsible for locating underground utilities, troubleshooting and marking fiber locations using paint and flags. Under close supervision, our Damage Prevention Technician will learn to accurately locate and mark Zayo's underground utilities. As experience is gained, assignments can become more varied, complex, and difficult.
***Please note that this role will be located in the Manassas, VA area and working in the field. Our ideal candidate will reside within an hour commute of the Manassas, VA metro area.
Responsibilities:
  • Analyzing blueprints to determine where construction projects will take place

  • Identifying and mapping location and depth of utilities for fiber optic cable and underground utilities.

  • Documenting interactions, site information, and utilities in organizational software.

  • Communicates with clients, engineers, and management.

  • Using various techniques (electrical, magnetic, GPS, blueprint analysis, and/or radar) to measure utilities.

  • Proactively identify potential problem areas to ensure the integrity of the network and company.

  • Pinpointing the coordinates of lines using GPS or surveying equipment.

  • Responsible for the asset management processes and replenishment of on-site/truck materials.

  • Coordinating shipping and receiving of company and customer materials.

  • Maintaining tools, test sets, and all network equipment.

  • Maintaining network/site security, cleanliness, and following all policies related to company property.

  • Inspecting cabinets, buried cables, construction sites, and other outdoor facilities in various environments, weather conditions, temperatures, exposed to local flora and fauna.

  • Operating in both individual and team environments, both within this team and interacting with other teams, working together to achieve the team's goals.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Up to 1 year of relevant experience in field construction tasks.

  • High school diploma or equivalentrequired.

  • Basic understanding of underground installations is preferred

  • Previous experience with utility locating and fiber optic cable builds, preferred.

  • Proficiency in using computers, cell phones, test equipment, Microsoft Windows operating system, and Office applications required.

  • Must have a cell phone

  • Operate on-call 24/7/365 on a rotating schedule, including standby, call out, dispatch, and overtime, as required by the business, including some travel, as needed.

  • Must follow all personal safety policies and procedures.

  • Must be able to maintain eligibility to operate a company issued vehicle per our policy (no more than 2 moving violations within the past 3 years); this includes possession of a state-issued driver license for the state in which you live.

  • Regularly lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds and move them clear of the job site.

Estimated base pay range for this role is $16.25 - $25.00 USD / hour
#LI-Remote
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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