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Shovel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Granite Industrial

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Childress, TX · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Backhoe Operator 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 job ...

Granite Industrial

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Abilene, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Backhoe Operator 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 job ...

Granite Industrial

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Forney, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/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 ...

PPS-HPS

Forklift Operator

Wilson, NC

$14.25 - $17/hr

The Forklift Operator will be handling materials and assisting with production. This position ... Shoveling * Sweeping * Filling bins * Cleaning * Very DUSTY

Cypress Gulf

Operator

Oldsmar, FL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Heavy lifting and shoveling up to 80 lbs. * Ability to work in extreme heat conditions * Must be ... Keep work area organized and safe Employees operating a vehicle for Work Site Employer's purposes ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

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 ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

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 ...

BRADY CONSTRUCTION OF OCALA INC

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Laborer / Equipment Operator

Ocala, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Must be able to do hand work, shovel, rake use chain saws and various tools to do site work, move ... equipment operator. We are a drug free workplace and testing will be required to be hired.

New

Asphalt Specialties

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Asphalt Operator

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Work as part of an asphalt paving crew performing raking, shoveling , lute work, roller operator and asphalt placement and compaction. Assisted with site preparation, equipment operation, and cleanup ...

New

BRADY CONSTRUCTION OF OCALA INC

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Laborer / Equipment Operator

Ocala, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Must be able to do hand work, shovel, rake use chain saws and various tools to do site work, move ... equipment operator. We are a drug free workplace and testing will be required to be hired.

New

Kokosing

Excavator Operator

Colonial Heights, VA

$36/hr

We are seeking Excavator Operators in the Richmond, VA area to work on utility/grade projects ... SUMMARY Operates power driven excavator, equipped with movable shovel, to excavate or move dirt ...

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All JobsShovel Operator Jobs

Shovel Operator information

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$5

$33

How much do shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 jobs pay $250 an hour?

Shovel operators typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles like construction managers, project engineers, or highly experienced tradespeople in niche industries. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience, and may involve working in high-demand environments or on large-scale projects.

How much do shovel operators make?

Shovel operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $18 and $30, depending on experience, location, and the industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in construction, mining, or industrial settings.

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 is the role of a shovel operator?

A shovel operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as excavators or backhoes to move, lift, and load materials like soil, gravel, or debris on construction sites. They must follow safety protocols, often hold relevant certifications, and have good coordination and understanding of equipment controls.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Shovel operators working in specialized construction, mining, or heavy equipment roles can sometimes earn $700 or more per day, especially with overtime, high-demand projects, or specialized skills. These positions often require certifications, experience, and working in challenging environments such as large-scale infrastructure or excavation projects.

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.

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Shovel Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shovel Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,134 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Granite Industrial

Childress, TX • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Backhoe Operator

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 job participates in on-the-job training.

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.

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