Excavator Operator Job Description

Excavator operators use heavy machines to excavate, lift, and transport materials on building sites, mines, and other operations. They must have a thorough grasp of the equipment, safety regulations, and how to read building drawings. Efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail are critical in this profession.

What Would I Do?

As an excavator operator your typical tasks would be:

• Operating an Excavator: Driving the excavator to dig, lift, and transfer items in accordance with project specifications.
• Reading blueprints: interpreting building drawings to estimate the depth, length, and layout of excavation sites.
• Excavating trenches for pipes, wires, or foundations requires exact measurements.
• Loading and unloading trucks with excavated materials, as well as unloading supplies at certain site areas.
• Levelling Ground: Levelling and grading the ground in preparation for building or landscaping tasks.
• Material Handling: Moving and putting materials like gravel, dirt, or concrete with the excavator's bucket or attachments.
• Safety Inspections: Conducting pre-operational checks to detect possible dangers and ensure the excavator is in good operating order.

Am I Suited for This Job?

Here's a chart showing the skills and traits necessary for an excavator operator position:

The Environment/ The Typical Day

An excavator operator's normal day begins early in the morning on the building site. The work environment is primarily outdoors, sometimes in isolated or industrial places where building projects are happening. Excavator operators should anticipate working long hours, often more than 40 hours per week, especially during peak seasons or when deadlines are approaching. Your day will begin with pre-operational tests on the excavator to ensure that it is in top shape for the day's responsibilities. Once underway, you will spend the day operating the excavator to dig trenches, transfer supplies, and level the ground in accordance with project plans and requirements. Communication among supervisors and team members is critical for work coordination and on-site safety. Excavator operators may operate in a variety of weather situations, necessitating adaptation and resilience to carry out their responsibilities efficiently. At the end of the day, you may do regular maintenance on the equipment in preparation for the next day's work before returning home to unwind and prepare for another day on the job.

What are the Wages and Benefits?

Excavator operator salaries in Canada vary by location, experience, and company. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank website, excavator operators' hourly wages range from low to high across communities and regions. Wages for first-year employees are frequently modest, with hourly rates ranging from $21.00 to $24.00 in provinces including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Employees' pay increases in proportion to their amount of experience and expertise. Those with a few years of experience can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $29.00 to $34.60, while more experienced professionals with extensive knowledge may earn hourly rates ranging from $41.37 to $57.69. The table below illustrates the salary ranges for excavator operators in numerous communities/areas in Canada.

In addition to competitive pay, businesses in this sector may provide health and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

What is the Job Outlook?

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank website, the job outlook for excavator operators in Canada is good, with an expected 31,200 new job openings between 2022 and 2031. These vacancies are the consequence of both expansion demand (driven by continual growth and development in industries such as construction, infrastructure, and mining) and replacement demand (induced by staff retirements and turnover). Despite the significant number of new job openings, there is expected to be tough competition for these opportunities, with over 30,300 job seekers entering the labour market during the same time period. These job seekers include fresh graduates, immigrants, and individuals seeking advancement in their careers. 

How Do I Become an Excavator Operator?

To become an excavator operator, you typically must meet specific requirements and qualifications, such as education, training, and occasionally additional licensing. Here is a summary of the normal pathway:

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Some secondary school education is needed. 
• To become a heavy equipment operator, you must complete a one- to two-year apprenticeship program or a combination of high school, college, or industry courses, as well as on-the-job training. 
• Quebec requires trade certification for heavy equipment operations (e.g., dozer, excavator, tractor-loader-backhoe), while Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario provide it as an alternative.

Certification from a regulatory authority: 

- Quebec- Heavy Equipment Operator 

- Newfoundland and Labrador

- Nova Scotia- Heavy Equipment Operator 

- Prince Edward Island-Heavy Equipment Operator 

- Ontario- Heavy Equipment Operator 

• Some organizations may demand internal company certification to demonstrate competency in operating specialized machinery.
• A Red Seal endorsement is offered to competent heavy equipment operators who pass the interprovincial Red Seal test, demonstrating a nationally recognized standard of excellence.

To ensure compliance and eligibility for work as an excavator operator, you must understand local regulatory requirements and certification processes. Continuous learning and skill development are also required for progressing in this field and maintaining proficiency with heavy machinery.

Where Would I Work?

Excavator operators can operate in a number of industries, including construction, transportation, and public works. Excavator operators are often employed in construction organizations, cargo handling organizations, and municipal, provincial, and federal public works departments. With construction organizations, you will operate on a wide range of construction projects, such as residential, commercial, and infrastructure development. Excavator operators are essential in construction activities, including excavation, grading, and material handling. They are also employed by pipeline, logging, and cargo transport businesses. Excavator operators are responsible for trenching, pipe placement, and backfilling in pipeline construction, whereas they help clear land and transport logs in logging. Excavator operators are essential for cargo handling organizations because they load, unload, and carry products effectively. Excavator operators work on various construction, mining, and industrial projects. These operators may work as subcontractors for construction companies or directly with clients to address heavy equipment needs on specific projects. Excavator operators are employed by municipal, provincial, and federal public works departments for infrastructure maintenance and repair. This includes duties including road maintenance, snow removal, landfill operations, and park upkeep. Excavator operators in the public sector help to maintain and secure vital community facilities.

This pie chart shows the distribution of where most excavator operators work:

Excavator operators have a wide range of job prospects in both the commercial and governmental sectors, with construction businesses being the main employers in this field.

How do I Find a Job?

To maximize your chances of success as an excavator operator, consider a range of options. Here are some common methods and places where people typically apply for jobs in this field: 

• Excavator operator job seekers often use online job boards such as Indeed, Job Bank Canada, and LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to search for job openings, submit applications, and communicate with employers.
• Find websites for local construction businesses, heavy equipment contractors, and other employers. Companies regularly offer job openings directly on their websites, allowing you to apply online while learning more about the company's operations.
• Networking is an efficient way to find employment opportunities in any profession. Attending industry events, job fairs, conferences, and trade shows to network with professionals in the construction and heavy equipment industries. Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers who may have contacts or leads on job prospects.
• Consider enrolling in a one- or two-year apprenticeship program that provides classroom and on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs commonly interact with businesses, who may provide job placement prospects upon completion of the program.

Applying for a Job?

When applying for a job as an excavator operator, you should create a professional resume or cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Begin by clearly providing your contact information, which includes your name, phone number, email address, and location. In the body of your resume or cover letter, emphasize your experience operating heavy equipment, including the types of machinery you are familiar with and any relevant qualifications or licenses you hold. List your key responsibilities and accomplishments from previous jobs in bullet points, with an emphasis on achievements that demonstrate your ability to operate heavy machinery safely and successfully. Include any specialized training, apprenticeships, or school certificates related to excavator operation. Proofread your resume or cover letter carefully to ensure that it is error-free and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. A well-written resume or cover letter may demonstrate your suitability for the position and increase your chances of being interviewed.

Where Can This Job Lead?

Excavator operators have various options for professional progression in the construction business. With experience and extra training, operators can advance to positions such as lead operator, who supervises and coordinates the actions of other equipment operators on the job site. You may also advance to supervisory or managerial roles, overseeing whole construction projects or certain sections within a construction business. Beyond the construction business, an excavator operator's abilities and training may be employed in surrounding fields such as civil engineering, where individuals can advance to positions such as construction project management or equipment sales and consultation. Furthermore, with additional education and certification, you can pursue careers in occupational health and safety, equipment training and teaching, or even entrepreneurship by starting your own excavation or construction company.