Salary based on the depth of construction experience - Salary Range - $55,000 to $75,000. Summary / Objective. Excavator Operator. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience operating excavators (operating weight 20,000 lbs. or more) on pipeline construction projects. Some manual labor may be required. Mainline Excavator Position Responsibilities. Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline according to project plans. Excavate aroun...