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Small Excavation Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Back Hoe Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

Load and unloading of small equipment. * Utility locates. * Read grade stakes. * Cut grade. * Excavation for structures and footings. * Fine grade slopes and contours suitable for sod. * Other duties ...

Back Hoe Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

Load and unloading of small equipment. * Utility locates. * Read grade stakes. * Cut grade. * Excavation for structures and footings. * Fine grade slopes and contours suitable for sod. * Other duties ...

Construction Crew Driver

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

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

Hardscape Crew Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... small hardscape/masonry crew * Install paver patios, walkways, walls, steps, and retaining walls * Build outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other masonry features * Perform grading, excavation, base ...

Hardscape Crew Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... small hardscape/masonry crew * Install paver patios, walkways, walls, steps, and retaining walls * Build outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other masonry features * Perform grading, excavation, base ...

Hardscape Crew Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... small hardscape/masonry crew * Install paver patios, walkways, walls, steps, and retaining walls * Build outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other masonry features * Perform grading, excavation, base ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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Small Excavation information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 job categories do people searching Small Excavation jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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.

$41K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Blythe Construction rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

General Description. Responsible for digging trenches and holes. This includes opening and closing the bucket, raising and lowering the boom, and digging, lifting and dumping dirt. Additionally, the backhoe operator must understand how to drive the backhoe both forward and backward and how to use the stabilizers to prevent machine movement while digging.

Key Duties

  • Able to operate the excavator and backhoe on road building and heavy construction projects.
  • Able to operations for road bed preparation, utilities trenching, excavations, pipeline, land clearing and demolition.
  • Able to operate a excavators with variety of attachments.
  • Capable of performing duties such as earthmoving.
  • Able to lift in close proximity to other people, equipment and utilities.
  • Able to work on sites and on all types of terrain.
    • Implementation of production goals.
    • Safe operation of Equipment.
    • OSHA trenching requirements.
    • Knowledge of the Clear Zone.
    • Grade and survey layout.
    • Working and installing trench boxes and steel plates.
    • Proper pre-start, shutdown and daily maintenance including cleaning machine.
    • Loading trucks.
    • Load and unloading of small equipment.
    • Utility locates.
    • Read grade stakes.
    • Cut grade.
    • Excavation for structures and footings.
  • Fine grade slopes and contours suitable for sod.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

  • General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as a Backhoe Operator. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees. Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of industry related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.
  • Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Backhoe Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
    • Constant physical effort, including standing and sitting is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
    • Frequently walk and climb on uneven surfaces of heavy equipment.
    • Ability to lift, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds and carry at least 30 pounds personally, and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
    • Manual dexterity to operate hand tools.
    • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
    • The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.
  • Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Backhoe Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
    • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
    • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with road construction..
    • Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
    • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, gasoline, diesel fuel and asphalt concentrate at hot temperatures.

Company Benefits:

  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Policy
  • Company Paid Vacation & Holiday Pay
  • Company Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Maternity Leave
  • Company Paid Employee/Family Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Term Life
  • Voluntary Accident, Legal, Hospital, Critical Illness Policies
  • 401(k) Plan w/Employer Match
  • Annual Company Stock Purchase Opportunities
  • Discount Partnerships: Verizon, Ford, Perkspot
  • Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives

We promote a Drug-Free Workplace.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability are encouraged to apply.

 


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