ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

... backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch ... Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines. * Follow OSHA and ...

MP

Heavy Equipment Operator - CDL Preferred

Salinas, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

MP Nexlevel, LLC, a leader in the utilities construction industry, is looking for Skilled Backhoe ... load materials to be used on the job • Follow all company safety policies and practices • ...

Clean Harbors

Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator

Newhall, CA · On-site +1

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Operating machinery like the following: backhoe, front end loader, excavator, bulldozer, track-hoe, and compactor; * Operates a heavy-duty forklift as required; * Assures unit is never operated in an ...

KS Industries, LLC

Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$23.45 - $28.60/hr

Position Description General Summary An equipment operator operates a variety of equipment including; tractor, scraper, forklift, bobcat, backhoe, excavator, frontend loader, side boom, semi-tractor ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackhoe Loader Operator JobsBackhoe Loader Operator Jobs in California

Backhoe Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$56.2K

$86.8K

How much do backhoe loader operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe loader operator in California is $56,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backhoe loader operator do?

A typical day for a Backhoe Loader Operator involves inspecting and maintaining equipment, reviewing site plans or work orders, and safely operating the machine to perform digging, trenching, and material loading tasks. Operators frequently collaborate with site supervisors, project managers, and other equipment operators to coordinate activities and maintain workflow. Safety is always a priority, requiring ongoing awareness of surroundings and adherence to all protocols. The work can be physically demanding and requires adaptability to changing weather and site conditions, making teamwork and strong communication essential for smooth project completion.

What is a backhoe loader operator?

A Backhoe Loader Operator is responsible for operating a backhoe loader to excavate, move, and load materials on construction sites. They ensure efficient and safe handling of soil, gravel, and debris while following project specifications. Operators must inspect equipment, perform basic maintenance, and follow safety regulations to prevent accidents. This role requires strong hand-eye coordination, mechanical knowledge, and experience handling heavy machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backhoe loader operator?

To thrive as a Backhoe Loader Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and experience with heavy equipment, often demonstrated by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant operator certification. Familiarity with excavation tools, safety protocols, and modern machine controls or GPS systems is typically required. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, precise operations and efficient teamwork on construction sites.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California? For Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backhoe Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Backhoe Loader Operator job openings:
Backhoe Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Loader Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,206 per year, or $27 per hour.

Union Energy Storage Operator Apprentice - Gabriel

Mortenson

Rosamond, CA • On-site

$39.71 - $66.71/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SUMMARY

Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Apprentice that will be responsible for operating equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Equipment certifications as required
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience
  • Current driver's license of proper classification and necessary endorsements as required by law
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs.
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment.

The base pay range for this role is $39.71 - $66.71 per hour. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).

Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.

Please make note:

  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.

Let's Redefine Possible

Equal Employment Opportunity

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

Other Items to Note

  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What Mortenson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All M. A. Mortenson Jobs

Apply