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Small Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USA Hometown Experts

Excavation Lead

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Leading a small excavation crew on the jobsite * Making sure the job is laid out and dug correctly * Working around utilities and existing structures * Handling trenching, grading, backfilling, and ...

Metro Plumbing and HVAC

Excavation Lead

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Leading a small excavation crew on the jobsite * Making sure the job is laid out and dug correctly * Working around utilities and existing structures * Handling trenching, grading, backfilling, and ...

Muth Electric, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fargo, ND · On-site

Excavating for electrical installations, installations of underground conduits, run and operate equipment Essential skills and experience : * Previous experience running small excavation equipment ...

Leinneweber Construction Excavation

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Excavation Foreman / Operator

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

The Excavation Foreman / Operator oversees small teams on diverse commercial construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient excavation operations across multiple sites. This role ...

Layton Services

Excavation Laborer

Columbus, OH

EXCAVATION LABORER Layton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground ... We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from small-scale projects to large scale ...

Layton Services

Excavation Laborer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

EXCAVATION LABORERLayton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground utilities ... We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from small-scale projects to large scale ...

Layton Services

Excavation Laborer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

EXCAVATION LABORER Layton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground ... We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from small-scale projects to large scale ...

Cherenzia Excavation

Laboer

Pawcatuck, CT · On-site

Excavation Laborer Pay: Competitive, based on experience Job Type: Full-Time Work Location: In ... and small equipment is a plus • CDL Class A or B is a plus but not required • High school ...

Mr. Rooter

Excavation Crew Member and Labor

Gladstone, OR · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Rooter Plumbing expects of the Excavation Crew Member The role of the Excavation Crew Member is to perform general labor as part of a small team to repair and replace sewer and storm lines. The ...

GF Transport

Excavation Laborer

Fortville, IN · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Position Summary The Excavation Laborer supports site development and earthwork operations by ... small tools such as plate compactors, saws, lasers, and hand tools · Help with form setting ...

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Small Excavation information

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$10

$22

$32

How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for small 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 is small excavation?

Small excavation refers to the process of digging, removing, or moving earth and other materials on a smaller scale, typically for residential, landscaping, or minor construction projects. This work often involves the use of compact machinery like mini-excavators or backhoes to create trenches, foundations, or to clear land. Small excavation is commonly needed for installing utilities, building driveways, or preparing a site for a garden or pool. It requires knowledge of soil types, safety protocols, and sometimes permits, depending on local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small excavation operator?

To thrive as a Small Excavation Operator, you need expertise in operating excavation machinery, understanding site plans, and knowledge of safety regulations, often gained through vocational training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as mini-excavators, loaders, and utility location devices is essential, along with any required operator licenses. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient excavation work on construction sites.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in small excavation roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in small excavation often encounter challenges such as working in tight or restricted spaces, ensuring safety around underground utilities, and managing varying soil conditions. To address these issues, it's important to conduct thorough site surveys, use appropriate equipment designed for compact areas, and follow strict safety protocols. Regular communication with site supervisors and utility companies also helps minimize risks and ensures efficient project completion.

What is the difference between Small Excavation vs Trenching Contractor?

AspectSmall ExcavationTrenching Contractor
CredentialsGeneral excavation licenses, OSHA safety trainingSame as small excavation, with specialized trench safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, and landscaping sitesPrimarily trenching for utilities, drainage, and foundations
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, demolitionUtility installation, drainage, and foundation work

Small excavation and trenching contractors share similar credentials and work environments, but trenching contractors focus specifically on digging trenches for utilities and drainage. While small excavation covers broader tasks, trenching is specialized for narrow, deep excavations. Both roles are essential in construction and utility projects, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes.

What are small excavation jobs?

Small excavation jobs involve digging, trenching, or moving earth on a limited scale, often for residential projects like landscaping, foundation work, or utility installation. These tasks typically require the use of compact equipment such as mini excavators and may involve basic site preparation and safety procedures.
More about Small Excavation jobs

What cities are hiring for Small Excavation jobs?

Cities with the most Small Excavation job openings:

What states have the most Small Excavation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Small Excavation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Small Excavation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs are:

Small Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,598 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Excavation Lead

USA Hometown Experts

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LEAD EXCAVATION TECHNICIAN - SEWER & SEPTIC
Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air - Chattanooga, TN
$25-$35/hour Based on Experience + Full Benefits
Know How to Run an Excavator and Run a Job?
If you've spent years in the seat, know how to move dirt the right way, and can lead a crew without someone standing over your shoulder, this may be the job for you.
Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air is hiring an experienced Lead Excavation Technician for our Sewer & Septic Division.
We're looking for someone with 3-5 years of real excavation experience who can operate an excavator, read the job, make good decisions in the field, and keep a crew moving.
This isn't a helper position, and it isn't a job for someone still learning the basics.
We need someone who can show up, look at the job, understand what needs to happen, get in the machine, and get it done.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Running an excavator on sewer and septic jobs
  • Digging for sewer line installs, repairs, and replacements
  • Excavating for septic system installs and repairs
  • Leading a small excavation crew on the jobsite
  • Making sure the job is laid out and dug correctly
  • Working around utilities and existing structures
  • Handling trenching, grading, backfilling, and cleanup
  • Coordinating with plumbers, inspectors, and other team members
  • Keeping the crew productive and the job moving
  • Taking care of the equipment and reporting maintenance issues
  • Making sure the work is done safely and done right
What We're Looking For
  • 3-5 years of excavation experience
  • Strong excavator operating skills
  • Sewer, septic, or underground utility experience
  • Experience leading a crew or running jobs
  • Comfortable making decisions in the field
  • Knowledge of trenching, grading, utilities, and excavation safety
  • Dependable and able to work without constant supervision
  • Someone who takes pride in their work and doesn't cut corners
  • CDL Class A is a plus
  • Must pass background check and drug screening
What You Get
  • $25-$35/hour based on experience
  • Full-time, year-round work
  • No seasonal layoffs
  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Good equipment and quality tools
  • Steady work with a growing company
  • Opportunity to move up as the Sewer & Septic Division grows
Tired of Being the Guy Doing the Work While Someone Else Gets to Run the Job?
If you know how to operate an excavator, understand sewer and septic work, and you're ready to be the one leading the crew instead of just following orders, we want to hear from you.
We're looking for someone who knows the trade, works hard, and takes pride in leaving behind a job that was done right.
If that sounds like you, apply today.
Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air
Chattanooga, TN

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