Traveling Excavator Operator - Mining & Quarry Operations (Arizona)

Rock Pros USA is seeking an experienced Traveling Excavator Operator to support our decorative landscape rock mining operations throughout Arizona.

This is a dedicated excavator position. Your primary responsibility is operating a hydraulic excavator to recover decorative boulders, rip rap, oversized rock, and blasted material while developing safe, productive quarry faces.

Success in this role requires excellent machine control, sound judgment, and the ability to recover valuable material while maintaining safe mining practices. Every cut, every bucket, and every decision impacts production, material quality, equipment longevity, and the safety of the crew.

We're looking for an operator who takes pride in precision, respects the equipment they operate, and understands that professional operators don't simply move rock—they recover valuable material efficiently while protecting both the machine and the mine.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic excavators in active surface mining and quarry operations.
• Recover decorative boulders while minimizing damage to saleable material.
• Excavate and load blasted rock for processing.
• Remove overburden to expose mineable material.
• Recover rip rap and oversized rock for processing or sale.
• Scale quarry walls and remove loose or unstable material to maintain safe working conditions.
• Develop and maintain quarry benches, pit floors, and excavation areas.
• Shape excavation areas to maximize safe and efficient material recovery.
• Read changing ground conditions and adjust excavation techniques accordingly.
• Work safely around loaders, haul trucks, crushers, and other heavy equipment.
• Complete thorough pre-shift and post-shift inspections.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and immediately report maintenance concerns.
• Keep assigned equipment clean, organized, and operating at peak performance.
• Travel to multiple Arizona quarry locations as operational needs require.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an operator who treats equipment with professionalism and respect.

Our best operators perform complete walk-around inspections before every shift. They recognize unusual sounds, leaks, worn components, and changing machine performance before small issues become costly downtime. They understand that proper lubrication, cleanliness, preventive maintenance, and smooth operation are essential to maximizing equipment life and production.

They take pride in operating safely, protecting valuable decorative rock, producing quality work, and leaving the machine in excellent condition at the end of every shift.

If you believe the condition of your excavator reflects the professionalism of its operator, you'll fit in well at Rock Pros USA.

•  Minimum 5 years of experience operating hydraulic excavators in mining, quarry, aggregate, or heavy civil operations. 
• Demonstrated experience recovering blasted rock, decorative boulders, rip rap, and oversized material. 
• Experience removing overburden and developing quarry benches. 
• Ability to safely scale quarry walls and recognize changing ground conditions. 
• Strong understanding of excavation techniques and production mining practices. 
• Proven commitment to equipment care, preventive maintenance, and daily inspections. 
• Ability to identify and report mechanical concerns before they result in equipment failure. 
• Excellent safety record and commitment to MSHA standards. 
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. 
• Willingness to travel throughout Arizona and work overtime as needed. 
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with supervisors and fellow operators.