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Small Excavation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving ...

CDL Truck Driver

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

... small equipment on job sites. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and comfortable ... Operate s mall equipment such as skid steers, mini excavators, or compactors as needed. * Perform ...

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices. * OSHA certification preferred. * Valid driver's license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small ...

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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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Small Excavation jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Small Excavation job openings:

Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Crew Leader - Site Work

Muller, Inc.

Manassas, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We are seeking to hire a full time, Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman to run a small crew and operate heavy equipment. This position requires grading, excavating, loading, hauling, trenching, driving metal posts, and moving dirt to facilitate the completion of various earthwork projects.

Disclaimer: The following description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate heavy equipment including excavators, mini excavators and bobcats and run a small crew on a daily basis
  • Install erosion control measures such as silt fence and super silt fence
  • Excavate for and build bioretention facilities, rain gardens, ponds, sediment basins and other stormwater management facilities/BMP's
  • Muck out and re-grade ponds
  • Shoot grades for stakeout and read/interpret cut sheets
  • Fine grade
  • Install underdrain on roadway projects
  • Complete other grading and excavation needs per the request of our clients

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant heavy equipment operating experience
  • At a minimum, ability to efficiently operate mini excavators and/or bobcats (experience operating full sized excavators, loaders and dozers is a huge plus)
  • Must be able to communicate directly with client and manage crew members
  • Must have reliable transportation 
  • Current and valid Driver's License

Physical Requirements:

Employee must be physically fit to perform manual labor in all types of environments and conditions, including heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.).

Regularly required to sit and stand, must be able to use hands to fingers, handle or feel and verbally communicate and listen.

Other physical requirements include walking, climbing or balancing and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling. Specific vision abilities required by the position include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Compensation:

  • Competitive salary rate plus Bonuses
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • PTO & Holiday Pay 
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Phone and company vehicle for business travel