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Shovel Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK ยท On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Backhoe Operator Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find ... Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened ...

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Backhoe Operator Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find ... Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened ...

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks. * Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as ...

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks. * Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as ...

Snow Removal Crew

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Thompson & Associates is hiring snowplow drivers, operators, and laborers Plow Duties Include: - Operate pickup-mounted snowplow - Operate pickup-mounted sanders - Light Shoveling -pre-trip and post ...

Terminal Operator Experienced Terminal Operator assists the Terminal Manager and/or Lead Operators ... Must be capable of doing physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing ...

Snow Removal Crew

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Thompson & Associates is hiring snowplow drivers, operators, and laborers Plow Duties Include: - Operate pickup-mounted snowplow - Operate pickup-mounted sanders - Light Shoveling -pre-trip and post ...

Terminal Operator Experienced Terminal Operator assists the Terminal Manager and/or Lead Operators ... Must be capable of doing physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing ...

Must be capable of doing physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing ... Equipment operating experience (i.e., loader, bobcat, forklift, man-lift, & vac truck). * Skilled ...

The Terminal Operator Trainee will be expected to work a shift schedule that includes rotating day ... Perform physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing tank stairways ...

Terminal Operator Trainee This position consists of a training program that will be conducted over ... Perform physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing tank stairways ...

Terminal Operator Trainee This position consists of a training program that will be conducted over ... Perform physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing tank stairways ...

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Shovel Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$5

$34

How much do shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for shovel operator in Alaska is $34.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.28 and $34.52 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 as a shovel operator?

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 does a shovel operator do?

A shovel operator operates heavy machinery such as excavators or backhoes to dig, move, and load materials like soil, gravel, or debris on construction sites. They must understand safety protocols, operate controls precisely, and often require certification or training to handle the equipment effectively.

What is a shovel operator?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Shovel Operator jobs in AK?

For Shovel Operator jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Shovel Operator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,456 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Granite Industrial

Fairbanks, AK โ€ข On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Backhoe Operator

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials.

*This is a union-represented position*

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.
  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • Proper certification required

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits
  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings
  • Follow instructions and meet set standards
  • Judge distances and slopes accurately
  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch
  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully
  • See well (either naturally or with correction)
  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.