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Trainee Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job ID: 525805 Reynolds Excavation, Demolition & Utilities is a CRH Company. Our purpose ... Other duties as assigned per supervisor Equipment Operator: * Operate equipment safely and ...

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Trainee Excavator Operator information

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How much do trainee excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee 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 does a Trainee Excavator Operator do?

A Trainee Excavator Operator learns how to safely and efficiently operate excavators and other heavy machinery on construction sites. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with digging, lifting, and moving earth or materials, under the guidance of experienced operators. Trainees receive on-the-job training to develop their skills, understand safety procedures, and perform basic maintenance on equipment. This role is an entry-level position that prepares individuals for more advanced operator roles.

What is the difference between Trainee Excavator Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectTrainee Excavator OperatorExcavator Operator
CertificationsBasic training, learner's permitFull operating license or certification
Work ExperienceEntry-level, supervised trainingExperienced, independent operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites under supervisionConstruction, landscaping, mining sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with excavation tasks, learn operation skillsOperate excavator independently, complete projects

The main difference between a Trainee Excavator Operator and an Excavator Operator is experience and certification level. Trainees are in training, working under supervision, while excavator operators are fully qualified and independently handle excavation tasks. Both roles are essential in construction projects, with trainees gaining skills to advance to full operator status.

What are some typical challenges a Trainee Excavator Operator might face during their initial months on the job?

As a Trainee Excavator Operator, you may encounter challenges such as mastering the precise operation of heavy machinery in variable site conditions and developing strong spatial awareness for safe digging. Adapting to different types of excavators and learning site safety protocols are also common hurdles. Teamwork is essential, as you'll often coordinate with site supervisors, ground workers, and other equipment operators. With time and guidance from experienced colleagues, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that build your confidence and skill set.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Excavator Operator, you need a basic understanding of construction site safety, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with excavator controls, GPS machine guidance systems, and holding or working towards relevant certifications such as a CPCS or NPORS card are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy machinery on construction sites.
More about Trainee Excavator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Excavator Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Excavator Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of July 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.
Stormwater Services - Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I, II - Stormwater Utility

Stormwater Services - Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I, II - Stormwater Utility

City of Abilene

Abilene, TX • On-site

$21.16 - $28.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


City Of Abilene (Texas) rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

555th of 703 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under supervision, perform a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance, construction and care of the City's stormwater infrastructure, equipment, and machinery. This position involves manual work in the performance of various tasks to improve drainage and flood control within Abilene, operation & minor maintenance of all Stormwater Utility Division construction and heavy equipment.
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee and I under immediate supervision; requires skilled work, tact and the ability to meet rough grades.
Heavy Equipment Operator II is an advanced journey level position under general supervision; requiring the ability to perform highly skilled work that meets finished engineered grades.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee exercises no supervision.
Heavy Equipment Operator I may function as a crew leader on small projects or in small work groups and in the absence of the Heavy Equipment Operator II. This position exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned Equipment Operators.
Heavy Equipment Operator II functions as a crew leader on assigned operations. This position exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned Heavy Equipment Operators and Equipment Operator Trainees.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Skilled knowledge of maintenance operations performed in rough terrain, creeks and stormwater drainage infrastructure including project oversight, mowing, street sweeping and herbicide application.
Advanced knowledge in the general operation and servicing of all Stormwater utility division construction equipment. Ability to perform minor preventive maintenance servicing to assigned equipment and report mechanical or other problems.
Effectively utilize a variety of loaders in excess of three (3) yards capacity.
Operate hydraulic & walking excavators including the tandem and trailer used for transport, boom truck, and dump trucks.
Drive a truck tractor hauling equipment or a 2000-gallon tank, a vac-truck, a street sweeper, a mid-mount mower and tractor with pull mower attachments.
Operate gradall, crawler or large rubber-tire tractors equipped with bulldozer blades used in moving earth in the maintenance and rehabilitation of creeks, drains and borrow ditches.
Operate a motor grader with blade, scarifier, and other attachments in the maintenance and repair of creeks, drains, and borrow ditches to obtain grade and proper water flow.
Operate power tools, shovel and attachments in excavation and loading work, and repair of storm sewer systems.
Ability to conduct training, safety review, and close coordination with Crew Chief and Maintenance Supervisor.
Performs on-call services and attends to after-hour emergencies, when necessary.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I
Operating features of heavy maintenance and construction equipment.
Proper use and occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for the safe operation of equipment.
Heavy construction techniques and procedures.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Operating characteristics of large automotive equipment.
Division policies and procedures.
Skill to:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I
Operate a variety of heavy equipment including:
  • Crawler tractor
  • Wheel loader
  • Rubber tire loader
  • Gradall
  • Hydraulic excavator
  • Knuckle boom truck
  • Self-propelled scraper
  • Tractor, mower, boom mower, and mid-mount mowers
  • Street sweeper
  • 3 to 16 cubic yard dump truck and truck tractor/equipment with a tanker trailer

Heavy Equipment Operator II
Operate a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozer, walking excavator or spider including tandem and trailer used to transport the walking excavators, motor grader with blade and vac-out truck.
Ability to:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I
Shoot and produce a rough grade.
Perform maintenance and construction work to high standards of engineering accuracy.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Operate a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozers, walking excavators or spiders including tandems and trailers used to transport the walking excavators, motor graders with blades and vac-out trucks.
Produce a final grade.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee
Experience:
Six (6) months of experience in the operation of heavy equipment is required.
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or a GED is required.
License or Certificate:
A valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment is required.
A Non-Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture is preferred.
Heavy Equipment Operator I
License or Certificate:
A valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required.
Non-Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture is preferred.
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience equivalent to that of a Heavy Equipment Operator I is required.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
Exposure to outdoors, inclement weather, wet weather, rough terrain, poison ivy, wild animals and noise.
Exposure to confined workspaces, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and other pollutants during spill clean-ups.
Ability to travel to different work sites and be available after work hours.
Ability to safely traverse steep grades often found in creeks and drainage ways.
With or without accommodation, the "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
___ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
_X_ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_M_ Standing
_M_ Sitting
_M_ Walking
_M Lifting
_M Carrying
_M_ Pushing/Pulling
_I__ Overhead Work
_M_ Fine Dexterity
M_ Kneeling
_M_ Crouching
_I__ Crawling
_M_ Bending
_M_ Twisting
_M_ Climbing
_M_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
___ Other:

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