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Underwater Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator * Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge, equipment and report any equipment ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator * Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge, equipment and report any equipment ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator * Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge, equipment and report any equipment ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator * Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge, equipment and report any equipment ...

University of South Carolina

Archaeologist I

Los Angeles, CA

$49K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform diving, underwater search, survey and excavation. Is responsible for participation and continuous qualification in all MRD diving operations. Write, present, and publish scholarly and popular ...

Valiant

Archaeologist II (China Lake)

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

Conduct research to reconstruct records of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or ...

GEI Consultants

Civil Engineer

Franklin, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering support on a variety of civil engineering projects, including excavation ... Lead teams performing field inspection of waterfront structures including underwater inspection

GEI Consultants

Civil Engineer

Franklin, MA · Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering support on a variety of civil engineering projects, including excavation ... Lead teams performing field inspection of waterfront structures including underwater inspection

GEI Consultants

Civil Engineer

Franklin, MA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering support on a variety of civil engineering projects, including excavation ... Lead teams performing field inspection of waterfront structures including underwater inspection

Amrize

Dragline Operator

Elburn, IL · On-site

Dragline Operators are given primary responsibility of performing all underwater sand & gravel extraction tasks to include site preparation with excavators and dozers when needed. The position also ...

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Underwater Excavator information

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How much do underwater excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for underwater excavator 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an underwater excavator?

To thrive as an Underwater Excavator, you need specialized diving skills, experience with marine excavation techniques, and a relevant certification such as a commercial diving license. Familiarity with underwater excavation equipment like hydraulic dredges, sonar scanners, and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills in this field. These qualities are vital for ensuring both safety and efficiency during complex underwater projects in challenging environments.

What challenges do underwater excavators face and how are they managed?

Underwater Excavators often face challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and the need to navigate delicate historical sites or unstable substrates. These conditions require careful planning, effective use of safety protocols, and close collaboration with both dive teams and project managers. Professionals in this role rely on pre-dive briefings and real-time communications to adapt to changing underwater conditions and ensure that excavation goals are met without compromising safety. On-the-job, regular equipment checks and teamwork are essential for successfully overcoming the day-to-day challenges unique to this environment.

What is an underwater excavator?

An Underwater Excavator is a specialized professional who operates machinery to excavate, remove, or relocate underwater materials such as sediment, rocks, or debris. They work on underwater construction, salvage, and dredging projects, often in collaboration with marine engineers and divers. This role requires expertise in operating heavy equipment in aquatic environments, knowledge of underwater regulations, and sometimes scuba certification. Their work is essential for projects like harbor maintenance, pipeline installation, and shipwreck recovery.

More about Underwater Excavator jobs

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Cities with the most Underwater Excavator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Excavator jobs?

The most popular types of Underwater Excavator jobs are:

What states have the most Underwater Excavator jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Underwater Excavator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwater Excavator jobs are:

Underwater Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Excavator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Garney Construction

Buford, GA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GARNEY

A Excavator Operator position is available at Garney. As a Excavator Operator, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS capability. This role requires teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to safety on the water. This role is vital to the smooth operation of our marine services. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator
  • Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge, equipment and report any equipment malfunctions or repairs
  • Follow all safety protocols and assist in safety drills. Ensure that safety equipment is accessible and in good condition
  • Support other crew members in their tasks as needed, maintaining effective communication and teamwork
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • At least 3 years of experience operating CAT 349 (John Deere 470) size machines or larger. Long reach experience is a plus
  • Marine excavation experience is a plus, but not required
  • Familiarity with GPS equipment that is involved with heavy excavation is preferred
  • Must be willing to work overtime
  • Basic Safety Training (BST) or equivalent certifications preferred. CPR and First Aid certifications are a plus
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills. Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be physically fit and able to perform tasks that require lifting, climbing, and working in various weather conditions
LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
  • Student loan resources
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
  • Free life insurance and disability policy
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
CONTACT US

If you are interested in the Excavator Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visit careers.garney.com 

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Alondra Dominguez at (615) 266-6156 or by email alondra.dominguez@garney.com and include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. 

Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

Agency Disclaimer:  All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding.  Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.

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