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Small Excavation Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Cox Landscaping, LLC.

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Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate large and small size Excavators, skid steer and dozer. You Need to be experienced with utility work, sitework, demo, clearing, grading, water lines ...

Cox Landscaping, LLC.

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Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate large and small size Excavators, skid steer and dozer. You Need to be experienced with utility work, sitework, demo, clearing, grading, water lines ...

JLD Enterprises

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Construction Field Hand

Auburn, AL · On-site

Support equipment operators during excavation, grading, and utility installation. * Load, unload ... Operate hand tools, power tools, and small construction equipment safely. * Follow grade stakes ...

Kiewit

Deep Foundations - Superintendent

Birmingham, AL · On-site

... cast, small diameter shafts, micro piles, etc.) * Must be a self-starter, highly motivated, and ... Support of excavation experience includes secant piles, soldier pile anchors, and tie-backs. #LI ...

JLD Enterprises

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Equipment Rental Specialist & Driver

Auburn, AL · On-site

Diagnose and perform basic repairs on small engines and light equipment. * Load and unload ... Excavation / Concrete Pumping / Dump Truck Services / Leeds Recycling / Concrete Recycling ...

Spire Inc.

Crewman - 548

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Excavation of main or service pipe, trenches or ditches. * Backfilling ditches and trenches ... Must be able to utilize small tools and equipment required to locate and determine the source of ...

Mobile Gas Service

Crewman - 548

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Excavation of main or service pipe, trenches or ditches. * Backfilling ditches and trenches ... Must be able to utilize small tools and equipment required to locate and determine the source of ...

Spire, Inc.

Crewperson - 12030

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Excavation of main or service pipe, trenches or ditches. * Backfilling ditches and trenches ... Must be able to utilize small tools and equipment required to locate and determine the source of ...

Spire Inc.

Crewman - 548

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Excavation of main or service pipe, trenches or ditches. * Backfilling ditches and trenches ... Must be able to utilize small tools and equipment required to locate and determine the source of ...

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Small Excavation information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Small Excavation jobs in Alabama?

For Small Excavation jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Small Excavation jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Small Excavation job openings:

Small Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Excavator Operator (Birmingham, Alabama)

National Salvage & Service

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

National Salvage & Service Corporation is an industry leader and a growing company. We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator for our Fuel Yard in Birmingham, Alabama.

National assists Class One Railroads in their track renewal and maintenance programs. If you enjoy working outside, this is the career for you. This position entails following a procedure and using an established method to ensure safety and accuracy. Our operators are detail oriented, and safety oriented. At National, we focus on completing each job the right way, the first time. To be considered you MUST have previous experience of operating an excavator. Class A or Class B CDL is preferred.

Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities

  • Ability to safely dig with an Excavator
  • Ability to operate and control attachments such as shears, blades, buckets and more
  • Able to operate other types of heavy equipment such as backhoes, pavers, dozers and graders to perform various takes (excavating, moving, grading dirt, etc...)
  • Make judgments regarding the most efficient operation of equipment and attachments
  • Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment
  • Aid other crew members on the ground
  • Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes
  • Must be reliable and responsible
  • Filling out daily paperwork using a smartphone, laptop or computer device

Position-Specific Competencies

  • Able to work long hours in all weather conditions.
  • Hold valid driver's license.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • Completely and accurately fill out daily paperwork.
  • Able to use a smartphone.
  • Basic mechanical knowledge to make small repairs.
  • Follow all Safety Programs, Policies and Procedures

Minimum Requirements

  • Class A or B CDL is preferred. MUST be able to drive standard transmission.
  • Three to five years' experience preferred.

Benefits of National

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Stable work through all seasons, with full time work through the winter
  • Full health benefits including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more
  • 401(K) retirement plan, with company contributions
  • Flexible dates for paid time off

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

This is a non-exempt position.

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