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Volunteer Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

F.H. Furr

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

Short-term disability and voluntary life insurance options * Generous PTO and Paid Holidays ... Clear career paths into senior operator, specialty excavation, or leadership roles * Long-term ...

F.H. Furr

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Manassas, VA

$95K/yr

Short-term disability and voluntary life insurance options * Generous PTO and Paid Holidays ... Clear career paths into senior operator, specialty excavation, or leadership roles * Long-term ...

Nelson Pipeline

Large Excavator Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

Experience in operating large excavators, particularly Backhoe 490 or 390 * Safety operating and ... Voluntary life & AD&D insurance * 401(k) retirement plan with resources to help you maximize your ...

New

Aerotek

2nd Shift Excavator Operator

Kansas City, MO

$23 - $26/hr

Essential Skills * Experience with operating excavators and heavy equipment. * Knowledge of ... Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term ...

Knife River Corporation

EXCAVATOR

Cold Spring, MN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

This position is responsible to safely operate excavating equipment to excavate, move and grade ... Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents * Critical Illness Plan * Accident ...

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Volunteer Excavator Operator information

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How much do volunteer excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer 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 the difference between Volunteer Excavator Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectVolunteer Excavator OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires basic excavator operation certification or trainingMay require various certifications depending on equipment type
Work EnvironmentOften in nonprofit, community projects, or environmental cleanupIn construction, manufacturing, or industrial settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, volunteer programs, environmental groupsConstruction companies, factories, or industrial firms

Volunteer Excavator Operators and Equipment Operators share similar skills in operating heavy machinery, but Volunteer Excavator Operators typically work in nonprofit or community projects with a focus on volunteering, while Equipment Operators work in commercial or industrial sectors. Both roles may require similar certifications, but the context and work environment differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer excavator operator?

To thrive as a Volunteer Excavator Operator, you need practical experience operating heavy machinery, a valid operator's license, and a good understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with excavator controls, maintenance checks, and sometimes OSHA or similar safety certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient site operations. These skills are vital for minimizing risks, protecting site integrity, and supporting project success in often dynamic environments.

What is a volunteer excavator operator?

Volunteer Excavator Operators are individuals who operate excavators and other heavy machinery on a voluntary basis, often to support community projects, disaster recovery, archaeological digs, or nonprofit construction efforts. They use their skills to assist organizations that may not have the budget to hire professional operators. These volunteers play a crucial role in performing tasks such as digging, moving earth, or clearing debris safely and efficiently. Typically, they have prior experience or training in operating excavators and adhere to safety standards while working alongside other volunteers and professionals.

How to get a job as a volunteer excavator operator?

To become a volunteer excavator operator, gain experience with heavy machinery through training programs or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. Look for volunteer opportunities with local construction, environmental, or community projects that accept skilled operators and demonstrate your ability to operate excavators safely and effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer excavator operators on project sites?

Volunteer Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying soil conditions, working with limited resources, and coordinating with other volunteers who may have different levels of experience. Safety is a top priority, so operators must stay vigilant and follow protocols, especially when working in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, balancing efficiency with precision is important, as many volunteer projects focus on restoration or community needs where accuracy is crucial for long-term success.

How much do they pay a volunteer excavator operator?

Volunteer excavator operators typically do not receive monetary compensation, as their role is unpaid and focused on community service or environmental projects. Some programs may offer stipends, training, or other non-monetary benefits, but payment is generally not part of volunteer positions. Compensation, if any, varies depending on the organization and project.
More about Volunteer Excavator Operator jobs
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Volunteer Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Utility- Lead Excavator Operator

Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Lead Excavator Operator

Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC ("HGC") is actively seeking a Lead Excavator Operator with pipeline experience. This position will be under the direction and supervision of a foreman or superintendent and will work with a team of other construction professionals. The job description noted below is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position.

What You Bring:

  • Utilize HGC's Core Values in daily duties.
  • Communicate professionally with everyone on site, including but not limited to supervisors, teammates, contractors, clients and vendor partners.
  • Understand, interpret, and follow goals and directions from a foreman or superintendent.
  • Maintain a clean inside of all equipment.
  • Maintain attendance at work, including presence at work during regular work hours or other schedule as may be assigned by the foreman or superintendent. Acceptance of overtime assignments also may be required in order to operational needs.
  • Attend training at HGC Academy.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Perform other various assignments as assigned, including but not limited to: assisting in other roles on the crew.

What Our Team Needs From You:

  • Must have experience operating an excavator for pipeline work, digging inside a trench box and lifting & setting heavy loads, such as precast structures & pipe.
  • Must be familiar with OSHA Trenching and Shoring requirements.
  • Must be able to read and understand grade stakes.
  • Must have two (2) years or more of industry-related experience is required for this position.
  • Must be willing to work Monday through Friday 7AM-5:30PM, or other schedule as may be assigned by the foreman or superintendent, as well as Saturdays when needed.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisors and teammates.
  • Must be able to understand site goals and direction.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug and background screening.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

Essential Physical Demands of Work Environment, With or Without a Reasonable Accommodation:

  • Able to stand/sit for extended periods of time, as well as stoop, kneel, walk, bend, crouch, lift, and crawl as required to perform essential duties.
  • Able to climb on and off equipment safely while maintaining three (3) points of contact.
  • Able to lift, carry, and hold building materials, tools, and supplies
  • Able to maintain constant alertness and situational awareness while on the job site.
  • Able to perform job responsibilities outdoors, in all types of weather conditions.
  • Able to communicate audibly and visually while exposed to varying levels of noise, dust and substances commonly found on construction sites.
  • Able to use hands, arms, and feet for repetitive lifting and carrying of construction materials.
  • Able to lift 25-60 lbs on an occasional basis.
  • Any other physical demand the assigned duties require.

What's in it for you:

  • Competitive Pay (based on experience)
  • Medical Insurance
  • Free Access to a Health & Wellness Coach
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Group Term Life
  • Voluntary Dental, Vision & Life Insurances
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, Bereavement & Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Signature 35-Hour Guarantee
  • Profit Sharing Program
  • Employee Owned Company (ESOP)
  • Free Training Programs at the HGC Academy
  • CAT Simulators
  • Classroom Training
  • Professional Development
  • Safety Training
  • First Aid Training

HGC operates in a 65-mile radius from Charlotte, North Carolina. By applying for this position, you acknowledge our operation radius and understand your commute could reach up to one (1) hour. Teammates are asked to move job sites as project needs change and occasionally report to the HGC Academy for training. All applicants to whom a conditional offer of employment is made shall undergo and pass a pre-employment screening including drug test, background check, and a fit for duty exam prior to beginning work. HGC is a drug-free workplace.

HGC is an industry-recognized, award-winning provider of construction services driven by our commitment to providing quality turn-key sitework packages for large industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Voted one of the Charlotte Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2019 and 2021-2024 as well as the Charlotte Observer's Top Workplaces from 2018-2024, we strive to provide a friendly work environment that encourages productivity while promoting teamwork, education, safety and the well-being of our teammates on every level.

HGC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against age, race, religion, color, disability, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran, genetic information, status or any other basis prohibited by law. HGC is a drug-free workplace.

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