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Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Production Worker

Frazier Park, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Ability to operate at least 2 pieces of mobile equipment (haul truck, farm tractor, water truck, rubber tire backhoe, front loader, etc.) * Remove logs from cooler * On the job training * Operating ...

Must be familiar with safely operating a Mini Excavator, Skid Steer, Loader and Backhoe. *(We run mostly Cat, but do run some Deere and Bobcat equipment. $31-$35.00/hr. PEAK LANDSCAPE INC is a well ...

Production Worker

Frazier Park, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Ability to operate at least 2 pieces of mobile equipment (haul truck, farm tractor, water truck, rubber tire backhoe, front loader, etc.) * Remove logs from cooler * On the job training * Operating ...

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER

Rowland Heights, CA ยท On-site

$24.08 - $29.30/hr

... operating a variety of hand tools, and grounds equipment including power mowers, edgers, blowers, trimmers, sweepers, backhoe, skip loader, trucks, and tractors; maintaining tools and equipment. View ...

Construction Field Worker

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $26/hr

Equipment Operator (Backhoe, Excavator, Skip Loader) * Grading * Laborers Key Responsibilities: * Perform tradespecific work according to plans and specifications * Read basic drawings and follow ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 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 typical day look like for a Backhoe Loader Operator?

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 job?

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 in the Backhoe Loader Operator position, and why are they important?

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 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:

Operating Engineer - Journeyman- Union

McGuire & Hester

Bodega Bay, CA โ€ข On-site

$54 - $61/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

McGuire and Hester is a construction company that provides complete site work services: pipelines, grading paving, concrete, landscape and mechanical. In addition to traditional project delivery methods, we are involved with design build projects and alternative delivery methods. McGuire and Hester have played an integral role in the construction of many of Northern California's most recognizable landmarks and infrastructure projects. Our storied past crosses more than nine decades. Our mission statement is, Together We Build Things Right which encompasses our business philosophy as well as our values and culture. We have a team environment that focuses on the greater good, resulting in a fantastic place to work that positively impacts our business partners and community.

Job Summary-This is a union position. Candidates must be a member of the applicable union or be willing and eligible to join the union as a condition of employment.

A heavy equipment operator operates a variety of heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, and repair activities, and performs a variety of tasks in the construction and maintenance of heavy civil work like trenching, excavation, grading, bulldozing, and paving

Reports to

Foreman, General Superintendent, Group Manager

Key Communication Partners

Laborers, Foreman, General Superintendent

Typical Duties

  • Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies
  • Operates heavy equipment such as backhoe, road grader, front-end loader, hydraulic excavator, skid steers loader, bulldozer, roller, compactor, and crane
  • Assists crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting materials and tools, equipment and any related work with a backhoe, excavator, front-end loader, or crane
  • Performs routine inspection of equipment and notifies supervisor of defects or repairs that need to be made
  • Perform all duties in conformance to appropriately safety and security standards and specifications
  • Perform general physical activities that require considerable use of your arms, legs, and moving whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials
  • Use hands and arms in handling, installing positioning materials, and manipulating machines
  • Balance teamwork and individual responsibilities, exhibits openness to other views, contributes to building a positive team spirit and can build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives
  • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and uses time efficiently
  • Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, look for new ways to improve and promote quality, applies feedback to improve performance and monitors own work to ensure quality
  • Think Safety-First and actively participate in the Safety Bucks program
  • Consistently at work on time, follows instructions, responds to management directions, commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals and complete tasks on time or proposes an alternative plan to appropriate person
  • The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, and carry objects. Frequently lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries 10lbs of weight during workday. Occasionally lifts or carries up to 50lbs

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience: Previous training and/or the equivalent in experience operating heavy equipment is required

Language Skills: Have an understanding of English as associated with the jobsite safety and the typical duties required of this position

Mathematical Skills: Basic understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Reasoning Ability: apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two step instructions. Deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables

Computer Skills: no skills required

Interpersonal Skills: ability to solve conflict, creates team atmosphere, dependable, and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness

Certificates, Licenses, and Registration: none required for this job

Compensation:

$54 - $61 per hour, based on skills, experience and knowledge