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Small Excavation Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

$25.76/hr

Clay County - Small Towns. Big Passions. Pay: $18.16 - $21.25 Under the direction of the Road ... Full Size Excavator Grad-all II Bull Dozer II Bucket Truck/Chipper Note: List may not be fully ...

Previous experience operating small equipment; skid steer, excavator, plow truck preferred * Willingness and ability to perform manual work following verbal and written instructions * Ability to work ...

This position plays a key role in site development activities, including excavation, grading ... small and large commercial aircraft. NOTE: This document does not create an employment contract ...

$70/day

This will include directing or accomplishing the excavation and repair of buried pipes in arctic ... Perform operational tasks at small water and wastewater treatment facilities. * Operate and ...

Responsibilities will include directing or accomplishing the excavation and repair of buried pipes ... Performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of a small water and wastewater treatment ...

... and excavation * Experience working with Native American groups * Familiarity with field ... Experience with both small and large archaeological crews Typical office environment working with ...

... and excavation * Experience working with Native American groups * Familiarity with field ... Experience with both small and large archaeological crews Typical office environment working with ...

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.
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary 

This position supports the daily upkeep, safety, and appearance of Hilltop Ski Area’s grounds, facilities, and parking areas. The role is hands‑on, physically demanding, and essential to ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for guests and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Grounds & Facility Maintenance

  • Perform mowing, landscaping, and general grounds upkeep.
  • Assist with keeping outdoor areas free of debris as part of routine grounds maintenance.
  • Apply ice melt and assist with snow removal around walkways and lodge areas.
  • Support basic carpentry and facility repair projects.
  • Complete preventative maintenance tasks as directed.
  • Keep facilities, vehicles, and equipment clean, organized, and in safe operating condition.
  • Perform manual labor including lifting, loading, unloading, and moving materials.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as directed by leadership. 

Parking Operations

  • Direct guests and employees to park safely, uniformly, and efficiently.
  • Maintain clear access for emergency vehicles.
  • Keep parking lots clean and free of trash and debris.
  • Monitor for unsafe conditions and report hazards promptly.

Equipment Use & Safety

  • Operate small equipment (skid steer, excavator, plow truck). 
  • Use all equipment, tools, and materials properly and safely.
  • Inspect tools and equipment to ensure safe operation.
  • Follow all safety procedures and report concerns immediately.

Guest Service & Communication

  • Provide friendly, patient, and helpful assistance to guests.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers via radio.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect toward guests and staff.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must have a clean driving record.
  • Able to work up to 40 hours per week including holidays, weekends, and evenings, as necessary. 
  • Any combination of education and experience that can demonstrate the knowledge and ability to perform the work.
  • Previous experience operating small equipment; skid steer, excavator, plow truck preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to perform manual work following verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects while raking, shoveling, and lifting large metal objects.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
  • Effective communication skills and good judgment skills in dealing with guests.
  • Ability to react quickly under pressure.
  • Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry objects, use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue and to effectively jump, sprint, or throw an object. Excellent stamina is required. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat, cold and humidity, and exposure to snow/ice.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.