67 live 360 excavator operator jobs on SiteJobs right now. Every listing has a real phone number - call the employer direct, no forms, no CV, no waiting. Search sitejobs-code15 to find us on Google.
What Does a 360 Excavator Operator Do?
A 360 excavator operator drives and operates a tracked or wheeled excavator on construction sites. The machine rotates 360 degrees on its undercarriage, giving the operator full reach in every direction. You dig trenches, foundations, drainage runs, and material handling pits. You load dumpers and lorries, strip topsoil, grade basements, and sometimes break concrete with hydraulic attachments. It is skilled work that demands spatial awareness, steady controls, and strict safety discipline.
Which Ticket Do You Need?
The two main plant operator card schemes in the UK are CPCS and NPORS. Most employers ask for one or the other.
- CPCS A59 Excavator 360 above 10 tonnes: The industry standard for tracked excavators over 10 tonnes. Red Trained Operator card first, then Blue Competent Operator card after NVQ assessment. Full details at cpcs.nocn.org.uk.
- CPCS A58 Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes: For mini and midi excavators under 10 tonnes. Also administered by CPCS at cpcs.nocn.org.uk.
- NPORS N202 Excavator 360: An alternative to CPCS, recognised by most employers. NPORS cards are issued through npors.com. Valid for 3 to 5 years depending on the card type.
You also need a valid CSCS card to get on site in the first place. Apply or renew at cscs.uk.com. The CSCS Alliance lists all partner card schemes at cscsgroup.co.uk.
CPCS Red vs Blue Card Explained
The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card is issued when you pass the CPCS theory and practical tests. It is valid for 2 years and is non-renewable. During those 2 years you must complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations to upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator Card. The Blue card is renewable every 5 years through the CPCS Renewal CPD process. Full card details at cpcs.nocn.org.uk.
NPORS Card Routes
NPORS offers two card types. The NPORS Traditional Card is valid for 3 years and requires a theory and practical test. The NPORS CSCS Card is valid for 5 years and requires the same test plus a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass. Most employers accept either. Apply through npors.com.
360 Excavator Operator Pay Rates 2026
Current pay rates from live SiteJobs listings:
- 360 Excavator Operator (CPCS Red card): £18-24/hour
- 360 Excavator Operator (CPCS Blue card): £22-28/hour
- Lead Operator / Machine Controller: £26-32/hour
- London and South East premium: add 15-20% to all rates
Rates depend on machine size, ticket level, and location. Large sites with 30-tonne-plus machines pay the most. Check live rates on SiteJobs - search sitejobs-code15 on Google.
What Does the CPCS A59 Test Involve?
The CPCS A59 assessment has two parts. The theory test covers machine components, safe operating procedures, legislation, and hazard identification. The practical test checks your ability to conduct pre-use inspections, start and stop the machine safely, excavate to line and level, load vehicles, travel on slopes, and shut down securely. Training courses typically run 10 days for novices and 2 to 3 days for experienced operators. The full training standard is published by CPCS at cpcs.nocn.org.uk.
Health and Safety on Site
All construction work in the UK must comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). Full text at legislation.gov.uk. HSE guidance on construction machinery safety at hse.gov.uk/construction.
- Valid CPCS or NPORS ticket before operating any 360 excavator
- Valid CSCS card before stepping on site
- Daily machine inspection and defect reporting
- PPE: hard hat, safety boots, hi-vis vest, ear protection, gloves
- Follow site-specific risk assessments and method statements
- Maintain exclusion zones around the machine - never reverse without a banksman or clear rear view
- Check for underground services before digging - use CAT scans and service drawings
Where Are the Most 360 Excavator Jobs?
The highest concentrations of 360 excavator operator vacancies are in London, the South East, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and major infrastructure corridors. Major projects like HS2, Lower Thames Crossing, and regional road schemes all need experienced operators. But there is work everywhere - from rural drainage projects to urban basement digs. Browse SiteJobs by location to find roles near you.
How to Apply for 360 Excavator Jobs
Search sitejobs-code15 on Google to find SiteJobs. Browse 360 excavator operator jobs, find one that fits, and call the employer direct. No CVs, no forms, no waiting. Every listing has a verified phone number and the employer is Companies House verified.
Upgrading From Red to Blue Card
If you hold a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card for A59, you have 2 years to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations. The NVQ is work-based - an assessor visits your site and observes you operating the machine. They assess your competence across a range of real-world tasks: trenching, loading, grading, confined space work, and machine maintenance. Once completed, you apply for the Blue Competent Operator Card through CPCS. The Blue card is the industry-recognised standard for competent operators and is what most employers ask for when advertising 360 excavator roles. Full upgrade details at cpcs.nocn.org.uk.
How Much Does 360 Excavator Training Cost?
Training costs vary depending on your experience level and the training provider:
- Novice course (10 days): £1,200 to £2,200 including CPCS theory and practical tests
- Experienced operator course (2 to 3 days): £500 to £900 including tests
- CITB Health, Safety and Environment test: around £22
- CPCS Red card application: around £30
- NVQ Level 2 assessment (for Blue card upgrade): £600 to £1,200
CITB-registered employers may be eligible for grant funding towards training costs. Check the CITB website for current grant rates. The investment pays off quickly - a Blue card operator earning £25/hour on a 45-hour week brings in over £1,100 per week.
Related Plant Operator Roles
Many 360 excavator operators also hold tickets for other plant categories. Common combinations include:
- Telescopic handler (CPCS A17 or NPORS N010) - 52 live jobs on SiteJobs
- Dump truck (CPCS A31 or NPORS N204) - 6 live jobs
- Crane supervisor (CPCS A62) - 25 live jobs
- Slinger signaller (CPCS A40) - 10 live jobs
More tickets means more work and higher pay. Browse all plant operator jobs on SiteJobs.
Locuri de munca operator excavator 360 UK
Locuri de munca operator excavator 360 in UK. Card CPCS A59 sau NPORS N202 obligatoriu. Card CSCS obligatoriu. 67 de locuri de munca disponibile. Suna direct pe SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 pe Google.
Pune operator ekskavatori 360 UK
Pune operator ekskavatori 360 ne UK. Karta CPCS A59 ose NPORS N202 e domosdoshme. Karta CSCS e domosdoshme. 67 vende pune te disponueshme. Telefononi direkt ne SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 ne Google.
Rabota operator ekskavatora 360 UK
Rabota operatorom ekskavatora 360 v UK. Karta CPCS A59 ili NPORS N202 obyazatelna. Karta CSCS obyazatelna. 67 vakansiy dostupny. Zvonite napryamuyu na SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 v Google.
Browse All 360 Excavator Operator Jobs
See all 67 excavator 360 operator vacancies on SiteJobs. Call direct, no registration walls.