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Small Excavation Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Foreman

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Must have prior experience in operating small machinery such as Bobcat and other excavating equipment. * Prior experience driving ½ or ¾ ton trucks, with a 20+ foot trailer attached, fully loaded ...

Utility Foreman

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee daily tasks of a small crew of pipe laborers. * Coordinate with site management to ... Must complete the required trenching and excavation training requirements set forth by the ...

Construction Crew Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Must have prior experience in operating small machinery such as Bobcat and other excavating equipment. * Prior experience driving ½ or ¾ ton trucks, with a 20+ foot trailer attached, fully loaded ...

Construction Crew Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Must have prior experience in operating small machinery such as Bobcat and other excavating equipment. * Prior experience driving ½ or ¾ ton trucks, with a 20+ foot trailer attached, fully loaded ...

Skilled Construction Laborer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The laborer will perform various general construction tasks related to grading and road building activities including the operation of small equipment such as skid steers and mini-excavators. At ...

Civil Construction Superintendent

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Our small team is our family, and we invest in their growth and well-being through training ... Drive high-quality sitework with precise material quantities, surveys, layouts, grading, excavation ...

Civil Construction Superintendent

Durham, NC · On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Our small team is our family, and we invest in their growth and well-being through training ... Drive high-quality sitework with precise material quantities, surveys, layouts, grading, excavation ...

Civil Construction Superintendent

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Our small team is our family, and we invest in their growth and well-being through training ... Drive high-quality sitework with precise material quantities, surveys, layouts, grading, excavation ...

Senior Traffic Signal Technician

NC · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... small engines. * Inspects conditions of equipment, vehicles, signs, networks, cameras, radio ... Operates light to heavy equipment, to include backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, front-end loaders ...

Turf Health Technician I

Raleigh, NC

$36K - $47K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Set up, program, and operate various irrigation controllers . * Assist with new irrigation installations, including manual excavation and operating small equipment. * Maintain and troubleshoot low ...

Construction Top Hand

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Excavator Operator is preferred. * NWSA TTT-1 is preferred. * Must possess and maintain a valid ... the traditional small business philosophies that are so often neglected in today's business ...

Construction Foreman

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Excavator Operator. * NWSA TTT-1 is preferred. * Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license ... the traditional small business philosophies that are so often neglected in today's business ...

Showing results 21-40

Small Excavation information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for small excavation in Raleigh, NC is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 site preparation, grading, or debris removal.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Small Excavation jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Small Excavation job openings:

Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,269 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Demolition/Wrecking

DH Griffin Wrecking

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Heavy Equipment OperatorDHGW-50 - Raleigh, NC - Full Time

D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co., Inc., is one of the leading demolition specialists in the country and we are growing our team! Our Raleigh, NC Division is accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operators to work projects.

The ideal candidate must be able to work both independently and part of a team as providing demolition services within the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Sectors. Candidate must know how to operate and maintain heavy equipment, typically 200 series excavators and above, fitted with hydraulic shears, grapples, bucket/thumb, universal processors, etc. to demolish structures, sort material and load out debris. Candidate must also be able to lift at least 50 pounds, perform manual labor tasks, use small tools, and follow the direction of a site supervisor.

  • The safety of our workers is our highest priority. From your first day, you will be immersed in DHG’s safety culture, receive safety orientation, site-specific training, and the opportunity to earn your OSHA 10 certification.
  • Demolition experience is required. Salary offers will be based upon experience. In time, equipment operators may be offered opportunities to learn new skills to advance into specialty equipment operator and leadership positions.

Our Raleigh office primarily works projects throughout the State of North Carolina. Reliable transportation and regular travel are required. Hotel and Per Diem are provided for out-of-town workers. All employees must be able to pass a background test and drug screening. All candidates must be medically capable of wearing a half-faced respirator.

D.H. Griffin Companies offer full benefits, paid holidays, 401K w/ company matching, flexible spending program, continuing education opportunities, health & dental and more. No waiting period to use paid time off!

Get rewarded for your achievements with a fair salary, advancement opportunities and a positive company culture.

D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer