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Shovel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for not jacking boom and operating shovel without slack in hoist ropes. Responsible for knowing equipment maintenance and practices that reduce component damage and wear. Responsible for ...

Responsible for not jacking boom and operating shovel without slack in hoist ropes. * Responsible for knowing equipment maintenance and practices that reduce component damage and wear. * Responsible ...

Shovel/Processor Operator

Damascus, OR · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

As a Roadside Shovel/Processor Operator , you will work along roads. You must be able to operate with extreme precision in tight quarters, managing timber removal near other machines and trucks in ...

Laborer - includes shoveling, operating equipment, washing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the plant site. * Miscellaneous - includes other various tasks your supervisor may ask of you pertaining ...

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Laborer - includes shoveling, operating equipment, washing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the plant site. * Miscellaneous - includes other various tasks your supervisor may ask of you pertaining ...

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Laborer - includes shoveling, operating equipment, washing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the plant site. * Miscellaneous - includes other various tasks your supervisor may ask of you pertaining ...

Shovel residential and commercial sidewalks, walkways, and entryways. * Assist lead operator with snow removal tasks. * Use provided equipment such as shovels, salt spreaders, and snow blowers.

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Shovel Operator information

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$5

$33

How much do shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for shovel operator in the United States is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.17 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Shovel Operator?

A typical workday for a Shovel Operator involves operating and maintaining large shovels to excavate, move, and load materials such as soil, gravel, or minerals onto trucks or conveyors. Operators usually start their shift with equipment safety checks and may work closely with site supervisors, truck drivers, and other heavy equipment operators to coordinate tasks. Depending on the project, the environment can vary from outdoor construction sites to mining operations, often requiring long hours and adherence to strict safety protocols. Teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability to changing site conditions are part of the daily routine, making this role both challenging and rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on work.

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

To thrive as a Shovel Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and experience with heavy equipment operation, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience. Familiarity with operating various types of shovels (hydraulic, electric, or cable), as well as knowledge of safety regulations and, in some regions, equipment-specific certifications, is vital. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are important for working efficiently in dynamic, team-driven environments like construction sites or mines. These abilities ensure the operator can maintain productivity, minimize accidents, and contribute to the overall success of the project.

What is a Shovel Operator job?

A Shovel Operator is responsible for operating heavy-duty excavating equipment, such as power shovels or hydraulic excavators, to move earth, rock, or other materials in construction, mining, or industrial settings. They follow safety protocols, perform routine equipment maintenance, and work closely with other site personnel to complete excavation tasks efficiently. This role requires skill in maneuvering machinery, attention to detail, and adherence to safety regulations to ensure smooth operations.

More about Shovel Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Shovel Operator jobs? Cities with the most Shovel Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shovel Operator jobs? The most popular types of Shovel Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Shovel Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Shovel Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Shovel Operator jobs? For Shovel Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Shovel Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,134 per year, or $33.2 per hour.
Shovel Operator I - Autonomous

Shovel Operator I - Autonomous

Freeport McMoRan

Bagdad, AZ • On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 hours ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 29 rated mining


Job description

Freeport-McMoRan is a leading international mining company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. We operate large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company has a dynamic portfolio of operating, expansion and growth projects in the copper industry.

Freeport-McMoRan is one of the world's largest publicly traded copper producers, the world's largest producer of molybdenum and a significant gold producer. We have a long and successful history of conducting our business in a safe, highly efficient and socially-responsible manner. We have the assets, the talent, the drive and the financial strength to provide attractive and rewarding careers of our employees.

We encourage you to take the time to explore the opportunity to advance your career at Freeport-McMoRan. What You Will Do Responsible for creating and maintaining proper grade on benches and drop cuts and maintaining proper slopes when digging finals. Responsible for the safe operation and management of shovel loading area.

Responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of the following procedures: start-up and shut-down, mounting and dismounting, Lock-Out Tag-Out Try-Out (LOTOTO), emergency, run-a-way, handling power cable, setting and releasing brakes, horn signals, high wall safety, moving and set-up, loading dispatch, grade control, tooth metrics, dipper trips, and working with auxiliary equipment. Responsible for knowing equipment components such as: bucket, hoist cables, boom suspension cables, hoist drum/gear case, swing motor/gear case, circle gear, power cable, dipper trip system, crowd belts, and saddle blocks/sticks, tracks Responsible for performing the following tasks: maintaining a clean loading area, controlling tails, creating good set-ups, digging sequence for loading on both sides, digging sequence for loading on single side, moving when swing arc exceeds ninety degrees, dipper fill factor, deep bank penetration without stalling, establishing and maintaining grade, and moving cable towers. Responsible for not jacking boom and operating shovel without slack in hoist ropes.

Responsible for knowing equipment maintenance and practices that reduce component damage and wear. Responsible for knowing shovel control system/gauges and online GPS (CAES) system. Operates mobile equipment.

Communicates through computer dispatching system or two-way radio. Performs pre-shift inspection of equipment. May perform minor maintenance & operations support activities.

What You Bring To Freeport Six (6) months of mobile equipment operating experience Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge, as well as safety.

Preferred Qualifications High School diploma or GED Qualified Shovel Operator with 6 months of experience At Freeport, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, rewards value and impact, and encourages safe production. Benefits and compensation are foundational elements of this package, along with career development opportunities, job progression and a culture supported by our core values, among others. Learn more at: FCX Jobs - Working Here Benefits: We provide an industry-leading benefits package with some of the lowest cost to employees - offering health, wellness, life insurance, paid time off, retirement savings and more.

These benefits are available to you and your dependents starting day one. Our comprehensive benefits program is important to how we support the health and wellness of employees and their families. For further benefits information please click here: Benefits Details Compensation: The estimated pay range for this role is currently $24.00 - $32.00/hour

This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

More details will be shared during the hiring process. To view an example of a Total Rewards Estimate for this role click here: Total Rewards Estimate Safety / Work Conditions: Candidates will be required to participate in a post-offer, pre-employment medical examination for the following positions which may have essential job duties that can impact both their own safety and the safety of others: Site-based positions, or positions which require unescorted access to site-based operational areas, which are held by employees who are required to receive MSHA, OSHA, DOT, HAZWOPER and/or Hazard Recognition Training; or Positions which are held by employees who operate equipment, machinery or motor vehicles in furtherance of performing the essential functions of their job duties, including operating motor vehicles while on Company business or travel (for this purpose "motor vehicles" includes Company owned or leased motor vehicles and personal motor vehicles used by employees in furtherance of Company business or while on Company travel). Equal Opportunity Employer Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants.

If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.


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