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Trainee Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... No excavator experience? That's okay! If you've got a great attitude, your Class A CDL , and a ...

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... No excavator experience? That's okay! If you've got a great attitude, your Class A CDL , and a ...

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... No excavator experience? That's okay! If you've got a great attitude, your Class A CDL , and a ...

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... No excavator experience? That's okay! If you've got a great attitude, your Class A CDL , and a ...

CRH

Entry Level Field Trainee

Draper, UT

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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$41

How much do trainee excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a trainee excavator operator?

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.

What challenges might a trainee excavator operator 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 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.

How do I get into operating a trainee excavator operator?

To become a trainee excavator operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some training or certification in heavy equipment operation. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specific equipment certifications can improve your chances of entering the field.

How to get trainee excavator operator experience?

To gain experience as a trainee excavator operator, individuals typically start by completing a training program or apprenticeship that covers equipment operation and safety procedures. Hands-on experience is gained through supervised work on construction sites, often requiring a valid driver's license and basic knowledge of machinery. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training, can also improve job prospects.
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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:

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Trainee Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Excavator Operator 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 $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavation Operator Trainee

Morris-Jenkins

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Morris-Jenkins rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 283 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Overview
Mr. Jenkins Told Me You're a Hands-On Person Who Takes Safety Seriously!
You've got your Class A CDL and you're looking for more than just a driving job. How would you like to get paid to learn how to operate excavators, trenchers, and other heavy equipment while building a long-term career?
How would you like to be our newest Excavation Operator Trainee?
As an Excavation Operator Trainee
  • You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional equipment from experienced team members who will teach you the ropes.
  • You'll work alongside our Lead Plumbing Installer and crew. Everyone on the team works together like gears in a machine. Every role matters!
  • You'll learn how to safely excavate, dig trenches, bore under sidewalks and driveways, and support plumbing installations throughout the Charlotte area.
  • You'll make the customer a priority and pay close attention to safety. We'll teach you the technical skills, but we need someone who already values doing things the right way.
  • You'll work flexible hours. Plumbing emergencies don't always happen during business hours, so some evenings and weekends may be needed.
  • You'll help inspect, clean, and maintain equipment. Taking care of your equipment helps it take care of you!
  • You'll make $28.00 per hour starting out!

Responsibilities
All About YOU
  • You have your Class A CDL and enjoy working outdoors instead of sitting behind a desk all day.
  • You're interested in learning how to operate heavy equipment and build a new skill set that can turn into a career.
  • You take safety seriously and understand the importance of being aware of your surroundings.
  • You enjoy working with your hands and seeing the results of your work at the end of the day.
  • You love helping people. Your friends probably describe you as positive, dependable, and someone they can count on.
  • You're eager to learn. No excavator experience? That's okay! If you've got a great attitude, your Class A CDL, and a willingness to learn, we'll teach you the rest.
  • We'll work with you to obtain your DOT Health Card and Intrastate qualification as we work in both North and South Carolina.

If you've got a class A CDL and you're ready to learn how to run big equipment, dig big holes, and build a career with a great team, we'd love to meet you!
Morris-Jenkins has been voted Top Workplace USA and Top Workplace Charlotte time and time again! Check out our awards here: Working at Morris-Jenkins Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical | Top Workplaces
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Typical workweek consists of five (5) ten-hour workdays, with rotating weekend work, occasional after-hours responsibilities, and schedule flexibility based on customer and operational needs
  • Ability to work safely and collaboratively with crew members while following company policies, procedures, and safety standards
  • Valid Class A CDL with an acceptable driving and criminal record
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Card
  • Ability to safely operate a dump truck and pull equipment trailers
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to safely perform physically demanding work, including lifting, digging, and working around excavation sites
  • Strong commitment to safety and following established procedures
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in learning heavy equipment operation
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a crew
  • Strong customer service and communication skills
  • Willingness to learn excavation, trenching, boring, and plumbing support operations
  • Abstinence from illegal drugs with satisfactory drug screening results
  • Reliable and punctual attendance
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities and schedules may change
  • Expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership through actions and adherence to company values, serving as a positive representative of the organization at all times

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience driving commercial vehicles and hauling equipment
  • Experience operating heavy equipment such as mini excavators, trenchers, skid steers, loaders, or backhoes
  • Experience in construction, utility work, plumbing, landscaping, grading, or a related trade
  • Experience loading, unloading, and securing equipment for transportation
  • Experience operating trailers and backing trailers in tight spaces
  • Knowledge of excavation and trench safety practices
  • Experience with underground utility or plumbing projects
  • Ability to perform basic equipment inspections and preventative maintenance
  • Experience using the boring functions of a trencher
  • Additional plumbing experience
  • OSHA or other construction safety certifications

Essential Job Functions per ADA
Mental & Physical Demands and Work Environment: The characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description is subject to change and does not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and hand tools. The employee must frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and work on uneven terrain. The position requires the ability to enter and exit equipment safely, secure equipment and materials for transport, and perform physical labor associated with excavation and utility installation work. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally more with assistance. Visual acuity, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination are required to safely operate equipment and work around underground utilities and other job site hazards.
Mental Demands: Must be able to maintain focus and situational awareness while operating heavy equipment and commercial vehicles. Requires the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, follow detailed instructions, identify potential safety hazards, make sound decisions in changing job site conditions, and communicate effectively with team members, customers, and supervisors. A strong attention to detail is required to safely and efficiently perform job duties.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors and frequently involves exposure to varying weather conditions, dirt, mud, dust, noise, moving machinery, underground utilities, traffic, and other construction-related hazards. Exposure to loud noise, vibrations, fumes, and other environmental factors may occur. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and must be worn in accordance with company policies and safety standards.
Morris-Jenkins is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. We proudly serve the following cities: Ballantyne, Belmont, Charlotte, Clover, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Fort Mill, Gastonia, Huntersville, Indian Trail, Kannapolis, Lake Norman, Matthews, Mint Hill, Monroe, Mooresville, Mount Holly, Pineville, Rock Hill, and Waxhaw. Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County, but Morris-Jenkins also services Gaston county, Cabarrus county, Rowan county, Union county, Iredell county, and York county (South Carolina). Wrench Group and its affiliates are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Wrench Group and its affiliates comply with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the company Human Resources office.
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