Excavator Operator Jobs
Excavator Operator jobs are open across construction, mining, oil and gas, and civil infrastructure, at every level from entry-level to lead operator, with specializations in trenching, demolition, and grading. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Equipment Operator - Excavator and Skid steer -
Flowood, MS | Target start December 7, 2026 | Pay based on experience (DOE)
Strategic Partner Solutions is hiring an Equipment Operator to support a commercial plumbing crew on an urgent care project in Flowood, Mississippi. Local candidates are preferred, and travelers are welcome to apply.
- Operate an excavator and skid steer for trenching, backfill, and material handling.
- Coordinate with the plumbing crew when digging and working around ground personnel.
- Perform routine equipment checks and report any issues to the site lead.
This is a paid temp-to-hire assignment. You’ll work alongside the crew, and strong performance can lead to a full-time offer with the client. If you’re open to traveling for future projects, let us know when you apply.
Apply with a résumé or a brief summary of your experience operating both machines. Include any trenching or underground utility work you’ve done.
Application Question(s):
- Do you have valid drivers license and reliable vehicle?
- Do you hold any operator certifications?
- How many years of experience and what pay range are you looking for?
Work Location: In person
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Find Excavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in excavator operator jobs.
- 2 or more years of verified excavator operation experience on commercial or civil projects
- Proficiency with excavators in the 20-ton class range from manufacturers such as Cat, Komatsu, or Deere
- Valid CDL-A or CDL-B driver's license for transporting equipment to job sites
- Current OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification for construction safety compliance
- Ability to read and interpret grading plans, blueprints, and survey stakes
- Experience operating common attachments including buckets, hydraulic hammers, and augers
Tips for Your Excavator Operator Job Search
List every machine you've operated
Hiring managers scan for specific equipment brands and size classes. Your resume should name the exact excavators you've run, such as Cat 320, Komatsu PC210, or Volvo EC220, along with the attachment types you've used, like hydraulic thumbs or rock buckets.
Highlight your OSHA and CDL credentials
Many postings filter out applicants who don't hold a valid CDL-A or current OSHA 10 or 30 certification. Lead with your credentials in a dedicated section near the top of your resume so recruiters don't have to hunt for them.
Target postings by project type
Utility excavation, road construction, and site prep each reward different experience. When you search for openings, use project-specific terms like 'underground utilities' or 'mass grading' to find roles that match your actual background rather than applying broadly.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists excavator operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a skills demonstration
Many employers skip the traditional interview and ask you to operate a machine on-site instead. Before your interview, review the site conditions you'll likely face, such as tight clearances or unstable soil, and be ready to talk through how you adjust your technique.
Negotiate your per diem and travel terms
Project-based excavator work often comes with per diem, housing allowances, or travel pay that vary widely between contractors. When you receive an offer, ask for the full compensation breakdown in writing before you accept so there are no surprises on the job.
Excavator Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most excavator operators?
Phillips, Zachry Construction Corporation, and Sanford contractors are hiring the most excavator operators right now, with openings concentrated in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Activity tends to cluster around large infrastructure and site development projects, so demand in these states often reflects active federal or state-funded construction programs.
How many excavator operator jobs are remote?
About 0% of excavator operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are project management, estimating, and equipment inspection consulting, where experienced operators move into oversight or advisory roles that allow some off-site work.
How do you become an excavator operator?
You typically start by completing a heavy equipment operator program through a trade school, community college, or union apprenticeship, where you get supervised seat time on actual machines. After training, you enter the field as a laborer or helper on a crew to build hours, then advance to operating smaller machines before moving to full-size excavators. Earning your CDL and OSHA certifications along the way makes you eligible for a wider range of jobs and higher-paying contractors.
Can you get hired as an excavator operator with little or no experience?
Yes, some contractors hire entry-level candidates who have completed a formal heavy equipment training program, even without prior field experience. Your best path is to apply for laborer or ground crew roles with excavation contractors, demonstrate reliability, and ask to get seat time during downtime or on less critical tasks. Union apprenticeships through the Operating Engineers are another structured route that pays you while you train toward full operator status.
What does the excavator operator interview process look like?
Most employers start with a brief phone screen to verify your certifications, CDL status, and equipment hours. A site visit or in-person meeting often follows, where a superintendent or project manager reviews your experience on specific machine types and project conditions. Many contractors then ask you to perform a practical skills test on-site, operating the excavator through basic tasks to assess your technique, safety awareness, and comfort level with the equipment before making a hiring decision.
Where can I find and apply to excavator operator jobs?
You can find and apply to excavator operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from construction, civil infrastructure, mining, and utilities employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your equipment experience and location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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