1

Solar Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solar Operator III - County Line

Arcadia, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Solar Operator III SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking an Solar Operator III that will be ... Mini Excavator * Backhoe * Trackhoe * Loader * Forklift/Telehandler * Bobcat/Skid-steer ...

Solar Operator III SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Solar Operator III that will be ... Excavator * Backhoe * Trackhoe * Loader * Forklift/Telehandler * Bobcat/Skid-steer QUALIFICATIONS

next page

Showing results 1-20

Solar Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do solar excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solar Excavator Operator vs Solar Crane Operator?

AspectSolar Excavator OperatorSolar Crane Operator
CertificationsEquipment operation licenses, safety trainingCrane operation licenses, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renewable energy projectsConstruction sites, large-scale solar farms
Industry UsageSolar farm installation, excavation workSolar panel installation, heavy lifting

Both roles require specialized certifications and work in similar environments within the renewable energy industry. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: Solar Excavator Operators handle excavators for site prep, while Solar Crane Operators manage cranes for installing large solar components. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in solar project construction.

What are some common challenges faced by Solar Excavator Operators on renewable energy projects?

Solar Excavator Operators often work on large, open sites where weather conditions and terrain can vary significantly, posing challenges for equipment stability and site access. Coordinating with multiple teams—such as surveyors, electricians, and site managers—is crucial to ensure trenches and foundations are excavated accurately and safely. Operators must also remain attentive to underground utilities and follow strict safety protocols to prevent damage and ensure project timelines are met. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication with colleagues is key to overcoming these challenges in a dynamic work environment.

What are Solar Excavator Operators?

Solar Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery, specifically excavators, on solar farm construction sites. Their primary role is to dig trenches, move earth, and prepare land for the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. They must follow safety protocols, read site plans, and coordinate with other construction workers to ensure the project progresses smoothly. Solar Excavator Operators play a key role in the efficient and safe development of solar energy projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Excavator Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy excavation equipment, a solid understanding of site safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS-guided machinery, hydraulic systems, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is often required. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are key soft skills that help operators work efficiently and safely on solar construction sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate site preparation, minimizing risk, and supporting the successful installation of solar infrastructure.
More about Solar Excavator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Solar Excavator Operator job openings:
What states have the most Solar Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Excavator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Excavator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Excavator Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Solar Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Large Wheel Loader and Excavator

Murphy Road Recycling

Hartford, CT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator

Large Wheel Loader and Excavator

Murphy Road Recycling

Position Summary:

The Heavy Equipment Operator - Large Wheel Loader and Excavator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of large wheel loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment used in daily site operations. This position plays a critical role in material handling, loading and unloading trucks, stockpile management, site maintenance, excavation activities, and ensuring operational productivity. The operator must follow all safety procedures, conduct pre- and post-trip equipment inspections, identify maintenance needs, and work closely with supervisors and team members to maintain efficient workflow. The ideal candidate possesses strong equipment operating skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outdoor environment while maintaining high standards of equipment care and operational performance. The start time for this position will be 5:30 am.

Your Role:

  • Safely operate large wheel loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations.
  • Load, unload, move, sort, and stockpile materials efficiently and accurately.
  • Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation activities.
  • Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of equipment and completed required inspection reports.
  • Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues, damage, or maintenance needs.
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks, including fueling, greasing, cleaning, and checking fluid levels.
  • Ensure work areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
  • Loads and monitors transfer trucks, van trailers, and rail cars based on the facility.
  • Performs routine maintenance checks on mobile equipment and facility equipment and reports malfunctions to the Supervisor.
  • Maintain accurate records related to equipment inspections, maintenance, and daily production.
  • Work all assigned shifts from the scheduled start to the scheduled end time.
  • Take an active role in the improvement of safety and health in the workplace.
  • Reads, understands, and applies information such as lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, job hazard analyses, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.
  • Participate in all required Company meetings, including weekly safety meetings.
  • Maintains reasonable, regular, punctual attendance consistent with Company policies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal, state, and local standards.
  • Adapts to changing duties, as required, based on business needs.

Your Skills:

  • Ability to complete safety, operational, and other required training within a scheduled period.
  • Communication skills sufficient to complete required job functions.
  • Demonstrated mechanical ability sufficient to complete routine tasks.
  • Demonstrated success in the use of required safety equipment.
  • Gritty, outgoing, and eager to learn.
  • Strong communication (verbal and written)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • The environment is fast-paced, and the person in this role must be proactive, hardworking, highly organized, and an independent critical thinker.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience

This Position Features:

  • Family-Oriented Environment
  • Excellent Benefits and Bonus Potentiala

Physical Demands:

Listed below are key points regarding the job's environmental demands and work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) for most of the workday.
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more or less than 30 pounds.
  • Required to be exposed to physical and occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.).
  • Required to be exposed to a physical environment that involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, or similar elements.
  • Clarity of vision.
  • Local travel

Our Story

Murphy Road Recycling LLC is dedicated to staying at the forefront of recycling and waste solutions. We are innovating every step of the way. From building the largest state-of-the-art recycling facility in the country and powering our buildings with solar energy, we are committed to you, our communities, and the planet.

Our story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, started Somers Sanitation - named after our hometown of Somers, Connecticut. Today, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading our companies into the future. While our fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, we take pride in continuing to operate our businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided us since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people we serve. Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward to remain at the forefront of sustainability.

Some see waste. We see possibilities.


Murphy Road Recycling, LLC EEO Statement: The Company is committed to and supports equal employment opportunity and affirmative action to all employees and applicants. Equal employment opportunity means equal treatment of employees and applicants without regard to the following legally-protected characteristics: race, color, religion, creed, sex (gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), veteran status, physical or mental disability status or any other legally-protected status.