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Solar Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solar Project Manager

Harrison, NJ · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Solar Project Manager

Newark, NJ · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Solar Project Manager

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Solar Project Manager

Newark, NJ · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Solar Project Manager

Irvington, NJ · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and ... Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE ...

Showing results 41-60

Solar Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do solar excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 a solar excavator operator?

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?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Solar Excavator Operator jobs?

For Solar Excavator Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Solar Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Utility Scale Solar Pile Installation Superintendent

Tempe, AZ • On-site

R-2 Contractors
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead all field operations for utility-scale solar pile installation projects

  • Plan and coordinate manpower, pile driving equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules

  • Supervise field teams, oversee pile layout verification, pile driving operations, quality control, and ensure safety and project specifications are met


Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!
R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Solar Pile Installation Superintendent to lead field operations performing driven pile installation on utility-scale solar, renewable energy, battery energy storage (BESS), transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of pile installation while delivering exceptional quality, developing field leaders, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Leadership, the Solar Pile Installation Superintendent oversees day-to-day field operations, including production planning, crew leadership, pile layout verification, equipment utilization, pile driving operations, quality control, scheduling, and customer coordination. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.
Position: Utility-Scale Solar Pile Installation Superintendent
Location: Nationwide Project sites
Travel Requirements:
• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands
Salary: $140-200k
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead all field operations for utility-scale solar pile installation projects
• Plan and coordinate manpower, pile driving equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules
• Supervise Foremen, equipment operators, craft personnel, subcontractors, and field teams to ensure safe and productive project execution
• Oversee pile layout verification, pile driving operations, production sequencing, pile elevation verification, tolerance compliance, and quality control activities
• Ensure piles are installed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications, engineering requirements, and manufacturer tolerances
• Read and interpret project drawings, pile layouts, geotechnical reports, survey data, and construction documents
• Coordinate daily activities with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers
• Monitor production, manpower, equipment utilization, budgets, schedules, and overall project performance
• Oversee the efficient utilization of pile driving equipment, excavators, telehandlers, GPS layout equipment, and support equipment
• Identify field challenges early and proactively implement solutions to minimize impacts to safety, quality, schedule, and production
• Coordinate with survey teams to verify pile locations, elevations, and alignment throughout construction
• Develop Foremen and future Superintendents through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and leadership by example
• Maintain complete project documentation, daily reports, production tracking, quality records, and inspection documentation
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
• Minimum 10 years of utility-scale solar, heavy civil, renewable energy, or foundation construction experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading pile installation operations as a Superintendent or Senior Superintendent
• Extensive knowledge of utility-scale solar pile installation, pile driving equipment, production planning, pile tolerances, survey coordination, and quality control
• Experience managing hydraulic pile driving equipment, excavators, telehandlers, GPS layout systems, and associated support equipment
• Strong understanding of production planning, operational scheduling, equipment utilization, quality control, surveying, and project execution
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, pile layouts, geotechnical reports, survey data, and construction documents
• Proven ability to lead multiple crews while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check
What Success Looks Like:
The successful Utility-Scale Solar Pile Installation Superintendent:
• Builds high-performing field teams that consistently work safely and efficiently
• Delivers utility-scale solar pile installation projects that meet or exceed project specifications, production goals, and quality expectations
• Develops strong Foremen and future Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates proactively, and resolves challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 through continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, equipment utilization, and leadership development
Our Leadership Philosophy:
At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door—but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.
Our leaders are expected to:
• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it
The R-2 Core Values
PRIDE – We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.
• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die
GRIT – We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.
• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication
OWN IT! – We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.
• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position
Benefits:
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're ready to lead utility-scale concrete crews, develop exceptional field personnel, and help build some of the nation's most critical power infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.
At R-2 Contractors, we don't simply place concrete—we build infrastructure, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and create a culture that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
 

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