what is an excavator operator?
An excavator operator is a person who is skilled in operating excavators. Excavators are large, heavy machines designed to move dirt, rocks, debris and other material around a job site. Your job is to operate the heavy equipment and use them to move earth and other materials. The excavators are often used to dig trenches, pour concrete and clear sites for construction. You also perform routine maintenance on heavy machinery. Due to the risks involved in the role, you are expected to adhere to strict safety protocols.
what industries need excavator operators?
As an excavator operator, you mainly work in the construction and manufacturing industries. Excavator operators move heavy materials around job sites to help make roads, bridges, buildings and other structures. Manufacturing companies sometimes require excavators to move large amounts of material that cannot be moved by human power alone.
Would working as an excavator operator suit your interest in driving heavy equipment? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an excavator operator role.
view jobsaverage excavator operator salary
According to ONS, the median salary of an excavator operator is £35,100 yearly, or £18 per hour. Entry-level positions attract a lower compensation package of £32,127 annually. When you improve your skills and experience, you can earn as much as £40,950 per year.
how to increase your salary as an excavator operator
The compensation package of an excavator operator is determined by various factors, including experience, education and job complexity. The more you work as an excavator operator, the higher you are likely to earn. Experience determines your skills, and employers are willing to pay more for candidates with transferrable skills.
The scope of your role and company size also influence your earnings. When you work for a small construction company, you may earn less due to limited resources. Large companies can afford to pay excavator operators more. In addition, complex projects attract higher salaries compared to low-budget projects. Having extra credentials improves your salary prospects.
types of excavator operators
The types of excavator operators depend on the machinery they use for digging trenches or moving materials. Some types of excavator operators include:
- wheeled excavator operator: as a wheeled excavator operator, you operate an excavator with wheels instead of tracks. Your job is to move materials or dig trenches on construction sites. Due to the minimal traction, you cannot work in wet areas with soft soils.
- long-reach excavator operator: as a long-reach excavator operator, you dig trenches or move soil in hard-to-reach places. You also help to demolish buildings and structures. The excavator has an extendable arm for excavating from a safe distance.
- suction excavator operator: as a suction excavator operator, you operate excavators with suction pipes. You use the suction for fragile digging jobs that require precision excavation. Since the suction pipe uses a high-pressure vacuum to suck up soil and debris, you use it to clean up underground projects.
- 360 excavator operator: as a 360 excavator operator, you operate an excavator with a rotating base. That means you pick up large objects or materials and move them within the vehicle's radius. Your job is to clear the ground for new developments.
working as an excavator operator
Working as an excavator operator is more than just driving an excavator around the job site. You are expected to manage other tasks as well. Read on for more information about what is expected of you and your work environment.
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excavator operator job description
Some of the duties of an excavator operator include:
- operating heavy equipment: as an excavator operator, your primary role is to operate heavy equipment. You operate various types of excavators depending on the job requirements. You may use excavators to demolish buildings, move materials from a safe distance, dig trenches, or clear sites for construction projects.
- maintaining heavy machinery: as an excavator operator, you ensure the heavy equipment is well maintained. For instance, you clean the excavator after a project and lubricate the moving parts. You ensure the parts are stored well and report any necessary repairs.
- keeping work areas clean: as an excavator operator, your job doesn't end with digging and demolition. You also collect any scrap materials and dispose of waste accumulated after a project. Keeping your work area clean minimises injuries and prepares the site for other projects.
- writing reports: as an excavator operator, you write reports and prepare documentation associated with your work. For instance, you provide a status report on the excavators during routine maintenance and recommend ways to improve environmental performance.
- conforming to safety regulations: as an excavator operator, you should adhere to the health and safety regulations. You also raise awareness among your colleagues on potential problems.
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work environment
As an excavator operator, most of your work is outdoors. You work in a wide range of wet, dusty and sometimes even dangerous conditions. You often work in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Be sure to bring plenty of water to maintain hydration in hot weather. You should wear at least two layers of clothing when temperatures are cold and wear a waterproof jacket if the weather becomes rainy. You won't work when weather conditions are too dangerous for you to operate your equipment safely, such as during severe storms.
As an excavator operator, you should understand the safety protocols, which include wearing a properly fitted hard hat while on the job site and following safe operating and transporting procedures for heavy materials.
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who are your colleagues?
As an excavator operator, your colleagues might include machine operators, 360 digger drivers and plant operators. You also work with groundworkers and construction workers, as well as other specialists, including plant mechanics, crane operators and plant operators and plant managers.
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work schedule
Your work schedule depends on the company's needs and project timeline. As a result, you often work day and night shifts, or even at weekends and on bank holidays. The standard workweek is 50 hours, with each employee working 10-hour days five days a week. However, sometimes you work more hours, particularly when a project has a tight schedule. Don't be surprised if you have to work 12-hour days or more occasionally. Most excavator operators are employed full-time, but part-time roles are available. The role involves travelling from one work site to another, and it is impossible to work remotely.
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job outlook
As an excavator operator, you can use your skills and experience to become a supervisor or team leader. Some excavator operators become plant managers and organise the plant logistics on site. With years of experience and additional credentials, you could become a project manager. Alternatively, you could become an independent contractor.
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advantages of finding an excavator operator job through randstad
Finding your excavator operator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an excavator operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes to becoming an excavator operator include:
- college: to become an excavator operator, complete a specialist college course to learn the basics of plant operations. You could pursue a Level 2 Certificate in construction plant operations or a Level 3 diploma in construction and the built environment. If you don't have any experience in plant operations, consider taking further training in excavation.
- apprenticeship: you won't find a specific apprenticeship for excavator operators, but you can start as an apprentice plant operator and specialise in excavator operations. Intermediate apprenticeships in plant operations take two years and give you a Level 2 NVQ certification in plant operations.
excavator operator skills and competencies
Apart from technical knowledge, you require soft skills like:
- mechanical skills: as an excavator operator, you perform minor maintenance on your excavator, including cleaning the excavator to keep all mechanical parts free of dust and debris that can clog the engine. Cleaning or replacing all air and oil filters, changing the oil at regular intervals and replacing basic parts of the excavator as necessary are also part of your job. Mechanical skills help you perform your duties effectively.
- physical skills: as an excavator operator, you constantly work in hot or wet weather or even dangerous environmental conditions. Good physical strength and stamina will allow you to withstand these conditions for longer and help to prevent your fellow employees from getting hurt on the job.
- problem-solving skills: as an excavator operator, you require problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues at work. Sometimes, you need to devise creative ways to complete complex or problematic tasks.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an excavator operator
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how much do excavator drivers get paid?
As an excavator operator, your earnings depend on your experience, credentials and job complexity. An entry-level excavator operator earns a salary of £32,127 per year. However, senior-level excavator operators take home over £40,950 annually.
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what makes a good excavator operator?
A good excavator operator knows their responsibilities regarding the safe operation of the excavator and safety procedures on the job. They have strong problem-solving skills, great timekeeping, good attention to detail and are motivated to work without supervision.
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what is a 360 excavator operator?
A 360 excavator operator operates a particular type of excavator that sits on top of a rotating base and swivels 360 degrees. This machine moves material between two points within the excavator's radius. To become a 360 excavator operator, you should complete construction plant competence scheme (CPCS) training to get a CPCS card.
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is excavator operator a good job?
Working as an excavator operator prepares you for various roles in the construction or manufacturing industries. The basic salaries are good and increase gradually with experience.
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how do I apply for an excavator operator vacancy?
Applying for an excavator operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our operator job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
