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Small Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Subcom Excavation & Utilities

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Company Description Subcom Excavation & Utilities LLC is a small business in Washington County, OR. We are agile, fast-paced and professional with lots of room for growth. Our work criteria includes ...

Fayetteville Contractors Incorporated

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Heavy Civil Excavation Foreman

Chambersburg, PA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Review plans, specifications, and run job sites, large and small. * Troubleshoot and resolve job ... We specialize in asphalt manufacturing, site excavation, hauling, paving, road building, utility ...

Baker Underground, Inc.

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Excavator Operator

Kernersville, NC · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Assemble, install, and handle shoring systems and other excavation safety controls. * Monitor ... We value diversity and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. (We run small ...

CRH

Excavator Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Strong understanding of excavation, trenching, and grading techniques. * Ability to identify ... CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company ...

WRS

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID · On-site

Work with construction crews operating heavy machinery such as large and small dozers, large and small excavators, backhoes, graders, front-end loaders, and forklifts. * Experience with GPS and grade ...

WRS (Washington)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID

Work with construction crews operating heavy machinery such as large and small dozers, large and small excavators, backhoes, graders, front-end loaders, and forklifts. * Experience with GPS and grade ...

CRH

Excavator Operator

Houston, TX

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Strong understanding of excavation, trenching, and grading techniques. * Ability to identify ... CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company ...

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Small Excavation information

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$10

$22

$32

How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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.

Excavator Operator

Anderson Columbia Co. Inc.

Hurlburt Field, FL • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Anderson Columbia rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anderson Columbia Co. Inc. Florida is accepting resumes for Excavator Operator.
Reporting to the Foreman, the Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the construction excavator.
Since 1958, Anderson Columbia has been an industry leader in paving and road building, making smooth stomping grounds for vehicles of all kinds. We strive to construct roads from the highest quality materials and apply ourselves to ensure the job is done right. From small backstreets to congested highways, we perform jobs of all proportions and create pavement in a way that makes the ride enjoyable. We pride ourselves on being one of the Largest Construction & Aggregate Producing Contractors in Florida. Our sense of professionalism paired with our teams of highly-trained personnel allows us to be successful at every job we employ.
Anderson Columbia doesn't just hire employees into a company, we hire people into our family; after all, people are our greatest asset. If you appreciate the feeling of sweat on your forehead, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a long day, or the pride in calloused hands, Anderson Columbia may have a place for you.
Monday - Friday ( Some Saturdays )
Pay Rate - $16 - $18 / Hour DOE*
Job Requirements
  • Work with ground personnel in the excavation and installation process to ensure excavation is to the proper depth/grade. Must be able to dress out.
  • Operate Excavator on public roadways, maintaining proper awareness of ones surroundings.
  • Ensure a sound understanding of the issues involving ground disturbance.
  • Operate other heavy equipment and other construction related duties as required.
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience within the road construction industry 2 to 3 years' experience operating an Excavator is required.
  • Operate the excavator and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Perform daily maintenance and safety checks of equipment.
  • Must have valid drivers license.
Job Description additional details -
  • Full Time - Standard work week 50 Hrs. per week, hours may vary depending on weather.
    • Work week may consist of night work.
    • Must maintain reliable attendance.
    • Duties can change daily depending on the project and weather.
Benefit Packages available after 3 months.
  • Healthcare, Dental, Eye, Life Insurance, paid holidays.
  • 401 k after 6 months, with company match program.

DFW / EOE
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

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About Anderson Columbia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anderson Columbia was built from the ground up by Joe Anderson Jr. (1939 - 2016) with a hard-working spirit and a vision for growth and success. ​Between the ages of 18 and 19, his entrepreneurial desire to build and construct was taking shape and in 1958, a company called Anderson Contracting began work in Dixie County. That company, with one dump truck and a tractor would later become the genesis for a nationally recognized leading infrastructure company in the United States. No matter the job, we put high-quality production at the front of the project. Our qualified teams bring the experience and the skills necessary for any job that requires our attention. Sunny or cloudy, hot or cold, efficiency continues to happen through our well-versed teams and will continue to happen until the job is accomplished and performed to the highest expectation.

Industry

Construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Lake City, FL, US

Year founded

1958

Social media

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