ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trainee Excavator Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

pcg

Regional Craft Employment - Atlantic

Smyrna, GA · On-site

Helper/Laborer/Trainee/Utility : Prepares work area by transporting needed tools and equipment from ... operating and maintaining heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, to perform ...

All JobsExcavator Operator JobsTrainee Excavator Operator JobsTrainee Excavator Operator Jobs in Georgia

Trainee Excavator Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$11

$22

$35

How much do trainee excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee excavator operator in Georgia is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.13 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia?

For Trainee Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Excavator Operator jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Trainee Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Trainee Excavator Operator job openings:

Trainee Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Excavator Operator job openings in Georgia 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 $45,941 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Traveling Surveyor (Independence Excavating)

DiGeronimo Companies

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Traveling Land Surveyor

Independence Excavating is looking to hire a full time Land Surveyor that will be responsible for preparing and reviewing data for field crews. The Surveyor will be preparing and approving cut sheets and as-builts on construction projects.

Who is IX?

From breaking ground to the finished project, our team has been laying the groundwork for excellence on heavy civil construction and demolition projects for over 70 years. We combine innovations of industry with decades of successfully completed projects, proving we are a value-added partner from the ground up! Over six decades, Independence Excavating has established a team of construction professionals that sets us apart from other contractors. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.indexc.com/

What do we believe in?

PEOPLE:

Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.

PERFORMANCE:

Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.

COMMUNITY:

Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.

A typical day looks like:

  • Producing and verifying cut sheets
  • Overseeing and coordinating the initial layout at the job site and provides continuous monitoring of the same
  • Providing work control lines and elevations that are required for accurate measurement and correct installation of material by crafts, i.e.,
  • Providing checking of as-built conditions that require the use of surveying techniques
  • Providing topographic and cross-section surveys as required for planning and payment quantities
  • Supervising Surveying Technician and Surveying Trainee personnel
  • Regularly making important decisions on interpreting drawings and specifications and applying them to the physical layout at the job site.

Do you have what it takes?

  • Minimum HS Diploma. Additional training and/or related certificate preferred
  • Minimum five years of previous related experience
  • Comfort level with Trimble GPS equipment, Trimble machine control, Trimble total station setup, ect.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Ability to build surfaces for GPS equipment
  • Utilize and have a thorough understanding of surveying practices and equipment use
  • Must have good math skills
  • Must be able to verbally communicate instructions and plans well with all internal and external contacts
  • Must be able to effectively communicate rationale behind decisions made
  • Work must be performed carefully and with great accuracy
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • This is a field and office position- willingness to work outside and in all weather conditions
  • Local travel to job sites required
  • Occasional overtime may be necessary during peak times

Why IX?

  • Weekly Competitive Pay!
  • Excellent Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • FSA & HSA
    • Life Insurance + Optional Family Life Insurance
    • Short-term and Long-term Disability
    • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • 401(k) + Company match
  • Paid corporate training program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stability and a variety of different roles that provide a path to career advancement
  • Family-owned and operated since 1956

Independence Excavating, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value workplace diversity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.