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An Excavator Operator breaks up and moves dirt and rock using excavation equipment. You might work on small scale residential projects, larger construction jobs or road construction. Excavator Operators use a range of equipment and attachments. Once dirt, rock and rubble has been removed you might have to level the ground ready for use.
Excavator Operators need to be skilled equipment operators and able to use their tools in a range of circumstances. You’ll need to be a good problem solver and be able to work in all sorts of environments. Excavator Operators have a physically demanding role and spend a lot of their time outdoors. You’ll need to be able to follow directions and work as part of a team.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become an Excavator Operator.
Possible job outcomes:
Get started in civil construction with the RII31619 Certificate III in Trenchless Technology. This nationally recognised qualification prepares you for work on civil construction sites that utilise trenchless technologies. The course covers: following safety procedures, working in confined spaces, applying risk management, maintaining site records, onsite communication, following plans and job specs, protecting underground services, operating plant and equipment, manual excavation, laying pipes, and much more. There is also scope to obtain a number of licenses and work permits (dogging, scaffolding, crane, cherry picker). Enquire now for study units, career outcomes, and enrolment centres near you. Learn more.
Get the skills you need to work on a forestry harvest crew with the FWP20216 Certificate II in Harvesting and Haulage. Over 12 months of hands-on training you will learn how to operate and maintain a range of equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Choose electives that match your job role: harvest operations, fire control, warehousing, grading and testing, safety, quality, business administration. Enquire now for the full list of study units, elective choices, and enrolment centres near you. Learn more.
Learn how to use forest industry harvest machinery and heavy vehicles with the FWP30216 Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage. Over 12-18 months of hands-on training you will be driving log trucks, manoeuvring trailers, and working as part of a harvest crew. Choose electives that support your career objectives: arborist climbing skills, grading and testing, fire control, computer-board systems, site establishment and maintenance, safety, quality, machinery operations, and load handling. Enquire now for the full list of specialty units, enrolment centres and government funded spaces. Learn more.
In Australia, a full time Excavator Operator generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There are currently 9,500 people working as an Excavator Operator in Australia and this number has grown slightly in recent years. Five years ago there were 9,100 people in this job role. Excavator Operators may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Job Outlook 2020
To become an Excavator Operator, consider the Certificate III in Trenchless Technology. This course will explore topics such as horizontal directional drilling, auger boring and pipe jacking. You’ll also look at subjects like workplace communication and occupational safety.
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Here are some potential career pathways within civil construction. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Civil Construction
Concreter
$960 weekly pay
Construction Labourer
Excavator Operator
$1,050 weekly pay
General Labourer
Loader Operator
Mobile Crane Operator
$1,400 weekly pay
Pipelayer
Rigger
Road Construction Worker
Road Marker
Steel Fixer
Traffic Controller
Building Estimator
$1,440 weekly pay
Construction Estimator
Construction Supervisor
$1,150 weekly pay
Site Foreman
Building Contractor
$1,550 weekly pay
Construction Manager
Construction Project Manager
Learn more about Excavator Operator courses in your area.