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BC
Blythe Construction
Excavator Operator
Career Insights for Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
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Based on North Carolina data
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What they do
An Operating Engineer or Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in quarries, construction sites, landfills, refuse and recycling centers, or ports. Heavy Equipment may include, but is not limited to, bulldozers, excavators, paving equipment and pile drivers.
$55,839 / year median in North Carolina
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Excavator Operator Blythe Construction dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k) United States, North Carolina, Saluda Aug 21, 2026 General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties Operate a excavator in close proximity to equipment and the public safely.
Perform daily fluid level checks on oil, water and fuel; Visual inspection for obvious leaks and damage to machine before operation of equipment as well as safety equipment checks.
Responsible for daily maintenance of equipment to remain in proper and safe working order. Responsible for notifying supervisor if equipment needs to be repaired.
Other duties as assigned. Qualification Requirements General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Excavator Operator.
A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.
Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of industry related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.
At least three (3) years of experience with Cat 249 size or bigger excavator.
Experience in placing rock plating and embarkments and working steep slopes in mountain areas or rock quarries, minimum 3 years preferred.
Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Excavator Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds and, at times, as much as 90 pounds, as may be assigned.
Manual dexterity to hand-carry generators, lumber and other construction materials, forms, power tools, and hand tools.
Physical dexterity involving stretching, proper placement of legs, and use of arms and hands in repetitive motions.
Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
Capable of being certified to enter confined spaces, including climbing into and out of excavations up to 20 feet in depth, using ladders or crawling, as required.
Sufficient skill and visual acuity, under varying degrees of light, darkness, and weather conditions, to provide direction and flagging for operators of cranes with rated capacities of up to 300 tons.
The Excavator Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.
Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Excavator Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that are typically associated with a construction project.
Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, curing compounds, gasoline, diesel fuel and ready mixed concrete.