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Solar Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Solar Operator - Millers Branch III

Haskell, TX

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

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

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Solar Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do solar excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 34% Contract, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 60% Physical, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavator, Dozer, Loader, Motor Grader

Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavator, Dozer, Loader, Motor Grader

MasTec Inc

Joseph City, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 77 rated construction


Job description

Overview

Saiia Construction is hosting an in-person hiring event in Flagstaff, AZ and we’re looking to connect with skilled professionals ready to get to work on heavy civil projects in the Joseph City area.

When:
Tuesday, May 19th | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MST)
Wednesday, May 20th | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MST)
Thursday, May 21st | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MST)

Where:
DoubleTree Hotel

1175 West Route 66

Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

Reserve your interview time here (if job title not listed, simply select any title and a time):
 Saiia - Arizona (Cholla) Hiring Event_May 2026 

We’re actively hiring and looking for experienced, safety-focused people in heavy civil—come out and talk to us.
Know someone who’d be a good fit? Send them our way.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Saiia Construction Company LLC, a MasTec company, is currently hiring for experienced Heavy Equipment Operators with Excavator (including Long Reach), Dozer, Loader, and Motor Grader experience to join our team in Joseph City, AZ.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for, but not limited to operating heavy equipment including excavator, dozers, graders, dump trucks, front-end loaders, compactors, scrapers, and water trucks to move materials to and from designated areas, participate in required training and ensure all established safety rules, procedures, policies, OSHA and MSHA regulations are followed. 

Company Overview

Founded by Sam Saiia as Birmingham Excavating Co. in 1946, the company now known as Saiia Construction is an industrial heavy civil contractor of choice for the power generation, mineral and aggregate mining, and pulp and paper markets. With more than 630 pieces of construction machinery in our fleet, over 500 employees, and experience working in 11 states, we have the resources and knowledge to complete projects of any scale. As a MasTec Company, we are poised for continued growth and an exciting future!

MasTec’s Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) segment generates over $4 billion in annual revenue, providing construction services across industrial, renewables and infrastructure sectors. Our industrial expertise includes building products manufacturers, decarbonization, power generation facilities, manufacturing plants and mining. In infrastructure, we specialize in general heavy civil construction, underground utilities, structures, electrical work, material production, roadways, bridges, specialty pavement overlays, environmental projects and commercial buildings. Our renewables sector focuses on solar, wind and battery storage. Sustainability and safety are foundational to our culture and influence everything we do. 

MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 years. With over 35,000 employees and 400 offices nationwide, we provide flexibility and career growth in dynamic work environments. 


Responsibilities

Excavator Operation 

  • Operates excavator, which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel, and dumps soil, sand, ore, rock. gravel, and industrial byproducts, and other such materials in stockpiles or transport trucks. Starts engine, moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel or other attachments. Uses bucket to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth, and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks. May need to understand and utilize GPS grade technology on this type of machine.  

Bulldozer - Grader Operator 

  • Operates bulldozer or grader which is used to gouge out, level, and distribute soil, sand, ore, rock, gravel, industrial byproducts, and other such materials. Also used to push or clear trees and rocks which is preparatory to diverse types of constructing projects. On occasion fastens attachments to bulldozer or grader with clevis or wedge-pin hitches. Moves levers and depresses pedals to maneuver bulldozer or grader and raise, lower, and tilt the blade and diverse types of attachments to clear right of way. Feels levers and listens for stalling action of engine to estimate depth of cut. Operates bulldozer or grader in successive passes over terrain to raise or lower terrain to specified or designed grade or elevation. May need to understand and utilize GPS grade technology on this type of machine.  

Rock / Articulated/Dump / Roll Off Truck Driver 

  • Operates truck equipped with dump body to transport and dump loose materials, such as sand, soil, rock, gravel, coal, ore, industrial byproducts, and other such materials. Pulls levers or turns crank to tilt body and dump contents. Move hand and foot controls to move truck forward and backward to loosen and dump material adhering to dump bed body. May be designated according to type of material hauled, type of truck driven, and whether for on road or off-highway projects. 

Scraper / Tractor Operator 
  • Operates tractor-drawn or self-propelled scraper to move, haul, and grade earth on construction sites. Moves switches, levers, and pedals to control the loading gate on pan or bowl, to adjust depth of cut, to raise and close filled pan or bowl for hauling, and to spread or dump earth. Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide power to raise, lower, or tilt attachment. Moves levers to control tool bars, carriers, and disks.  

Water Truck Driver 

  • Operates a truck to transport water for construction projects, filling and transporting potable water to crews working at job sites and driving a truck equipped with sprinkling attachment to spray water on roadways to control dust. Requires the ability to make inspections, oil, grease, service and make normal operating adjustments to the Water Truck, and lift/move transported materials as needed. 


Qualifications
  • Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, MSHA and other related state and federal regulations. 

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 

  • Ability to use email, smart phone, tablet, or computer to manage company information and documents. 

  • Ability to draft routine reports and correspondence.  

  • Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance standards per employee handbook. 

  • Approach and complete work in a meticulous, thorough, and timely manner. 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Lift/Carry 0-10 lbs.: Occasionally 
  • Lift/Carry 10-50 lbs.: Occasionally 
  • Reach Above: Occasionally
  • Bend/Stoop: Occasionally
  • Use Hands for Manipulations: Continuously
  • Vision Abilities: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Hearing Abilities:  Must be able to hear equipment and facility signals, horns and alarms; radio, and phone communications.

What's in it for you:

Financial Wellbeing

  • Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
  • 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)

Health & Wellness

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
  • Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

Planning for the Unexpected

  • Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
  • Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
  • Emergency Travel Assistance Program
  • Group legal plan

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing. Accessibility: If you need accommodation as part of the employment process, contact ceicareers@mastec.com. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual requests regarding application status. Please log into your candidate profile for up-to-date information. 

MasTec, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasTec's policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Disclaimer: MasTec and our Subsidiaries will never ask prospective employees for any form of payment or money transfer as part of job application or onboarding. We do not ask prospective employees for information about credit cards or personal passwords, and it does not require applicants to purchase equipment or software. Ensure that all recruiter email addresses end in @mastec.com or @talent.icims.com. If you suspect you are the target of a scam, we advise you to contact your local law enforcement agency and report fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure and our subsidiaries do not work with any third-party recruiters or agencies without a valid signed agreement and partnership with the Corporate Talent Acquisition Team.

#LI-EH1

#LI-Onsite

Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, MSHA and other related state and federal regulations. 

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 

  • Ability to use email, smart phone, tablet, or computer to manage company information and documents. 

  • Ability to draft routine reports and correspondence.  

  • Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance standards per employee handbook. 

  • Approach and complete work in a meticulous, thorough, and timely manner. 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Lift/Carry 0-10 lbs.: Occasionally 
  • Lift/Carry 10-50 lbs.: Occasionally 
  • Reach Above: Occasionally
  • Bend/Stoop: Occasionally
  • Use Hands for Manipulations: Continuously
  • Vision Abilities: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Hearing Abilities:  Must be able to hear equipment and facility signals, horns and alarms; radio, and phone communications.

What's in it for you:

Financial Wellbeing

  • Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
  • 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)

Health & Wellness

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
  • Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

Planning for the Unexpected

  • Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
  • Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
  • Emergency Travel Assistance Program
  • Group legal plan

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing. Accessibility: If you need accommodation as part of the employment process, contact ceicareers@mastec.com. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual requests regarding application status. Please log into your candidate profile for up-to-date information. 

MasTec, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasTec's policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Disclaimer: MasTec and our Subsidiaries will never ask prospective employees for any form of payment or money transfer as part of job application or onboarding. We do not ask prospective employees for information about credit cards or personal passwords, and it does not require applicants to purchase equipment or software. Ensure that all recruiter email addresses end in @mastec.com or @talent.icims.com. If you suspect you are the target of a scam, we advise you to contact your local law enforcement agency and report fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure and our subsidiaries do not work with any third-party recruiters or agencies without a valid signed agreement and partnership with the Corporate Talent Acquisition Team.


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