Excavator operator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

What does an excavator operator do?

Excavator operators work as part of a team on building or construction sites. They are typically employed by construction or mining companies. On a day-to-day basis, they operate heavy machinery, such as bulldozers or rollers, to assist the building process by removing and relocating debris. This is typically done by raising and lowering attachments using manual and hydraulic controls.

As part of their job, excavator operators also check their equipment and machinery to ensure that it is safe to use at all times. This may involve performing minor maintenance work and servicing, adjusting or lubricating equipment. Excavator operators may also need to complete work reports to update supervisors and management on issues and progress.

Excavator operator skills and qualifications

An excavator operator should have the following skills and aptitudes in order to do well in their role:

• enjoy mechanical and technical activities
• eye for detail and excellent spatial thinking
• able to follow instructions
• great communication and teamworking skills
• excellent hand-eye coordination
• safety-conscious with an excellent work ethic
• able to cope with stressful situations

Excavator operator experience requirements

Employers may want to look for candidates who have completed their RIIMPO320E Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations licence and have already gained some industry experience in an open-pit environment. Any previous work experience involving operating equipment and machinery such as Liebherr, Komatsu or Hitachi diggers, as well as loaders or bulldozers, is helpful when you come to hire an excavator operator.

Excavator operator education and training requirements

Although an excavator operator does not need to have any formal qualifications to work in Australia, candidates with appropriate registration or licensing are usually preferred. 

The most recommended qualification is the RIIMPO320E Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations training course. This course, which includes practical training and an official assessment, leads to a licence allowing the individual to operate excavators. A general driver’s licence is also generally expected.

Excavator operator salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an excavator operator is $39.80 per hour. This rate is fairly homogenous across all states and territories, with the exception of Western Australia, where much higher hourly salaries of over $50 are being reported.

Job description samples for similar positions

There are some roles with similar duties to an excavator operator. Take a look to see if you need to hire one of these workers in addition to or instead of a crane operator for your site:

• Machine operator
• Forklift operator
• Construction worker

Excavator operator job description FAQs

What career progression options might an excavator operator expect?

Excavator operators with significant experience and a RIIMPO320E Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations licence may eventually want to specialise in a particular segment, such as operating trench digging machines or hydraulic rockbreakers. These roles are more senior and enjoy higher salaries. Other career options for an excavator operator may be to become a team manager or site foreman.

Is operating an excavator stressful?

Operating heavy excavation machinery is a high-pressure role that requires total concentration. Excavator operators need to be aware of the risks posed by their role. Adherence to appropriate safety protocols and a safety-conscious approach is, therefore, a must for excavator operators.

Operating excavation machinery, therefore, carries a lot of responsibility and requires a lot of technical skill, which can make it a stressful role. Excavation operators should be prepared to handle this high-pressure environment.

What are the working conditions like for excavator operators?

Excavator operators work outdoors in ever-changing weather conditions and varying physical environments. Their workplace may be hot and dusty one day, but wet and muddy the next. A lot of noise is also to be expected, as the excavator operator will generally be surrounded by heavy machinery and construction equipment.

Some night work may also be required, especially road works when traffic is less busy, so an excavator needs to be comfortable working at any time of the day and commit to shift work if necessary.