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Small Excavation Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become ... Underground utility installation: 1-5 years Involves the operation of small equipment and tools ...

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become ... Underground utility installation: 1-5 years Involves the operation of small equipment and tools ...

Clarion Home Services Group

Excavation Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Because we are growing, we are looking for an Excavation Operator. If you have the experience, we ... Proficient with small hand/power tools; Sewer Layer License is a plus. * Disciplined professional ...

Clarion Home Services Group

Excavation Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Because we are growing, we are looking for an Excavation Operator. If you have the experience, we ... Proficient with small hand/power tools; Sewer Layer License is a plus. * Disciplined professional ...

Brilar LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oak Park, MI

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilize tractors with batwing mowers, skid steer, and small excavator * Support critical 24/7 snow and ice management operations * Follow route maps, work instructions, and safety procedures

Brilar LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oak Park, MI

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilize tractors with batwing mowers, skid steer, and small excavator * Support critical 24/7 snow and ice management operations * Follow route maps, work instructions, and safety procedures

Brilar LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oak Park, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilize tractors with batwing mowers, skid steer, and small excavator * Support critical 24/7 snow and ice management operations * Follow route maps, work instructions, and safety procedures

Brilar LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oak Park, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilize tractors with batwing mowers, skid steer, and small excavator * Support critical 24/7 snow and ice management operations * Follow route maps, work instructions, and safety procedures

James E Fulton & Sons

Be Seen First

Accountant / Bookkeeper (Construction Company)

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • PTO

Drive accounts receivable: prepare and send invoices for trucking, small excavating, toll road, and snowplowing work; apply payments; manage AR spreadsheets; and execute structured collection ...

PURIS

Operator / Excavator - 35,000 lbs.

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Small support equipment and trench tools Responsibilities include: * Digging launch pits and receiving pits * Excavating for service reconnections * Setting and positioning pipe bursting equipment

James E Fulton & Sons

Construction Laborer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Construction Laborer - Excavation & Utilities Company Overview James E Fulton & Sons, Inc. is a ... Load and unload tools, small equipment, and materials each day and help maintain a clean, well ...

Lester Brothers

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Heavy Equipment Operator - Residential Projects Lester Brothers Excavation is looking for an ... Ability to work well with a small crew. * Valid driver's license and good driving record. * Ability ...

Gillett Excavating

Heavy Equipment Operator

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$34 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Gillett Excavating In just ten years, we've grown from a small residential startup into a company trusted to build the infrastructure that millions of people rely on every day, most of it ...

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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 Michigan?

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

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

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

Small Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Thornapple Excavating

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description


Who is Thornapple Excavating?
Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives to be a leader in earthwork, utility installation, and other commercial excavating services. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, customers can count on Thornapple Excavating, Inc. to deliver a high-quality product the first time, every time.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Installation of underground utilities including watermain, storm water, and sanitary sewer both correctly and efficiently.
  • Read and understand blueprints to accurately align and lay out various pipe routes to install according to the site plan.
  • Set up rotary and / or pipe lasers to lay pipe on an accurate grade.
  • Signaling equipment operators to facilitate alignment or movement of pipe, excavation of pipe trenches, and backfilling trenches with the required material.
  • Communicate with site supervisor or foreman about the site-specific specifications or requirements or general plans.
  • Perform various physical construction responsibilities including, but not limited to, hand digging, backfilling around pipe, compacting and leveling earth to specific grades for installation of pipe or structures to plan specifications.
  • Adjust to seasonal weather conditions and work for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Use of various hand tools, such as shovels, come-along rakes, compacters, levels, and other hand tools necessary for correct pipe installation.
  • Knowledge of various soil types to ensure safe trench excavation and the ability to recognize unsafe conditions.
  • Inspect and work with rigging, cables, chokers, and chain slings.

Job Qualifications:
  • Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in successfully installing underground utilities accurately and efficiently, according to plan.
  • Must understand grades and know how to correctly set up rotary and pipe lasers.
  • Should have a firm understanding of commercial construction and final grades in relationship to utility elevations.
  • Be able to lift up to 60+ lbs.
  • Comfortable working in a high-stress environment.
  • Be willing and able to work with crew members and open to alternative ways of getting things done.

Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
  • Underground utility installation: 1-5 years

Involves the operation of small equipment and tools, including:
  • Pavement breakers and jackhammers
  • Cement, plaster, and mortar mixers
  • Saws
Benefits Our Employees Enjoy:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • 100% paid company paid Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Year-end bonuses
  • Company events and outings
  • Referral bonus
Schedule:
  • Day shift with OT opportunity
  • Monday - Friday, no weekends
  • Work Location - 50 mile radius of Grand Rapids, MI
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

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