What role does a backhoe typically play on a job site?

A backhoe is specifically designed for excavating and moving soil, which is its primary function on a job site. It features a digging bucket on the front for scooping up material and a smaller bucket on the back that can be used to dig deeper trenches or holes. This versatility allows backhoes to perform a range of tasks that include not just digging but also lifting and moving earth or other materials.

In contrast, constructing large buildings typically requires different heavy machinery such as cranes or bulldozers that are better suited for lifting heavy materials and shaping large foundations. Painting surfaces is a task usually carried out by painters using hand tools or spray equipment, not heavy machinery. Providing scaffolding support involves erecting structures for workers to access areas at height, which is outside the operational scope of a backhoe. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the main operational use of a backhoe in excavation and soil movement on construction sites.