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Small Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clarion Home Services Grp.

Excavation Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

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 ...

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Small Excavation information

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How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for small excavation in the United States is $22.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $27.64 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.
More about Small Excavation jobs

What cities are hiring for Small Excavation jobs?

Cities with the most Small Excavation job openings:

What states have the most Small Excavation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Small Excavation jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs are:

Small Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,598 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Stormwater Excavator Operator

Pinellas County Government

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Pinellas County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Are you looking for a hands-on career that allows you to work outdoors, operate heavy equipment, and make a direct impact on your community and environment? Pinellas County is seeking a dedicated and safety-minded Stormwater Excavator Operator to join our Public Works team.
In this essential role, you'll lead a team in the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of stormwater drainage systems and related infrastructure. You'll operate various size excavators in stormwater infrastructure activities and supervise personnel in the field. While ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical work, love operating equipment, take pride in public service, and are ready to respond during emergency events such as hurricanes or flooding. You'll be part of a team that plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, clean, and resilient.
What Would You Do?
  • Performs maintenance and repair of Pinellas County stormwater Drainage systems operating an excavator.
  • Ensures TTC/MOT is properly set up and maintained in accordance with FDOT standards, modifies plans to fit specific job site conditions to ensure public and worker safety;
  • Completes assigned work and updating labor hours, equipment usage, materials, and other resources in the work management system
  • Provides on-the-job training across assigned equipment and tools, including dump truck operation, front-end loader operation, proper hand and power tool operation (pole saw/power pruner, chainsaw, weed eater, blower, saws-all, grease gun, etc.), and BMPs;
  • Determines required equipment, materials, personnel, and ditch/swale shape based on right-of-way conditions
  • Ensures 811 utility locates are completed and coordinates with utility companies and Pinellas County Utilities when conflicts or unmarked utilities occur;
  • Maintains and monitors comprehensive records of work orders, scheduled completion dates, work progress, and delays and adjusts dates to reflect status;
  • Contacts the public in areas where crews are working, coordinates work on private property when necessary, explains work being performed and responds to complaints;
  • Assists other departments when necessary;
  • Sets up, maintains, and distributes sandbags at designated sites;
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.
What Do You Need to Have?
  • Six (6) months of experience in public works, utilities, general construction, maintenance, or repair work, that includes operating an Excavator, OR;
  • A Public Works Academy training certificate for equipment operators, OR;
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
  • Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
Additional Requirements:
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License A.
  • Experience operating small excavators.
  • Must obtain a Temporary Traffic Control (TTC formerly MOT) certification within six (6) months of hire.
  • Operate basic trucks or a variety of small gasoline-powered machinery and equipment.
  • Operate a wide variety of other equipment/tools, i.e., chain saws, weed eaters, pole saws, etc.
  • Knowledge of stormwater drainage principles, methods, materials and equipment.
  • Must be certified to safely operate assigned equipment/Excavator.
Highly Desirable
  • Florida Stormwater Association Certified Stormwater Operator Level, Erosion Control Certification.
  • OSHA 30 Hour General Construction Card.
  • FDOT Intermediate Temporary Traffic Control certification.
Our Benefits Rank Among The Top InThe Area!
  • Our benefits rank among the top in the area!Check it out!
  • Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of theFlorida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
  • We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks.Check out these and more!

Want To Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and abilities at the below links.
Automotive Equipment Operator 2

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