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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 4 courses available for people who want to become an Excavator Operator.
Possible job outcomes:
Do you need an excavator training course? How about the RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations. This nationally recognised short course will teach you how to safely use an a excavator (with attachments) and supports the excavator licence requirements in some states. The course covers: carrying out pre-operational checks, carrying and placing materials with the excavator, loading, bulk excavation, fitting and removing attachments, relocating the machine, carrying out operator maintenance, cleaning up. Enquire now for prices, excavator licensing accreditations, and upcoming enrolment dates in your area..
Average duration: 2 days.
Get started in the Australian forestry industry with the FWP20122 Certificate II in Forest Operations. This nationally recognised certificate is an excellent introduction to timber and forestry work and qualifies you for forest hand or nursery assistant positions. The course covers: on-the-job communications and safety, environmental protection and cultural heritage, safe lifting and carrying, site biosecurity procedures, setting cuttings, transplanting tree seedlings, operating tractors and work vehicles, tree pruning, and much more. You can also follow a specialisation that supports your career interests: General Operations, Silviculture, Timber Harvesting and Haulage, or Forest Nursery Production. Enquire now for specialisation units (and their availability) as well as training providers near you that offer this qualification..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a forestry worker with the FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations. This nationally recognised training course has a number of specialisations including: General Operations, Silviculture, Timber Harvesting and Haulage, and Forest Nursery Production. The course covers: introduction to the forest and wood products industry, worksite communication and safety, environmental protection procedures, soil and water protection, cultural heritage protection, remote first aid, and more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, specialisation electives (and their availability) as well as course enrolment opportunities in your area..
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..
Average duration: 6 months.
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 Labour Market Insights
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.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
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
Construction Worker
Excavator Operator
$1,050 weekly pay
General Hand
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
Civil Draftsperson
$1,250 weekly pay
Construction Estimator
Construction Supervisor
$1,150 weekly pay
Grader Operator
$1,540 weekly pay
Site Foreman
Building Consultant
$1,500 weekly pay
Building Contractor
$1,550 weekly pay
Civil Construction Supervisor
$2,200 weekly pay
Construction Manager
Construction Project Manager
Learn more about Excavator Operator courses in your area.