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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Driver

Novato, CA

$20 - $23.50/hr

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.

Forklift Driver

Suisun City, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.

Forklift Driver

Napa, CA

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.

Forklift Driver

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.

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Backhoe Operator information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$36.1K

$62.3K

$96.2K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Santa Rosa, CA is $62,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $67,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Backhoe Operator do?

A Backhoe Operator is responsible for operating a backhoe, which is a type of heavy construction equipment used for digging, excavating, and moving earth or other materials. Their duties typically include loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, backfilling excavations, and maintaining the equipment. Backhoe Operators often work on construction sites, roadworks, utility installation, and landscaping projects. They must follow safety protocols and be able to read site plans or instructions to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backhoe Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with construction site safety protocols and proficiency in using hydraulic backhoes and related machinery are essential. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team help operators stand out. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges a Backhoe Operator might face on a job site, and how can they be managed?

Backhoe Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and operating in adverse weather. Safety is also a significant concern, as operators must remain vigilant to avoid underground utilities and protect nearby workers. These challenges can be managed by maintaining open communication with the site supervisor, participating in regular safety briefings, and staying up-to-date with equipment maintenance and best operating practices. Being adaptable and proactive helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is the difference between Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBackhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, mining, heavy-duty excavation
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, utility firms, landscapingConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects

Both Backhoe Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and excavation environments, often using similar safety training and certifications. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: Backhoe Operators handle backhoes primarily for digging and loading, while Excavator Operators operate larger excavators for heavy-duty digging and demolition tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What Is a Backhoe Operator?

A backhoe operator, sometimes known as a heavy equipment operator, runs a backhoe—an excavation machine with a large digger bucket attached by a hinged arm. Their responsibilities include the moving or removing of soil and other materials on a construction site. They may also make light repairs on the equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Backhoe Operator jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Backhoe Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,267 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator Benefits Day 1, Stable Hours, 401K Match

Heavy Equipment Operator Benefits Day 1, Stable Hours, 401K Match

Waste Management

Novato, CA

$26 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 607 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM - and more. 

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II:

  • Starting salary of $26.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on experience

  • Stable hours for your financial stability

  • Employee Stock available 

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.

  • We are Committed to Growth: Annual Education Assistance Benefit available for team members

  • Company-matched 401(k)

  • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator II. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with WM:

  • Monday - Friday

    • 6am to 330pm

    • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.

  • The normal setting for this job is our waste disposal site in NOVATO, CA

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our recycling facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As a Heavy Equipment Operator II you'll be responsible for operating heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this role is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment operators take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination.  Our waste disposal sites have strict procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Operates heavy equipment in compliance with the company operating safety policies and procedures. 

    • Conducts routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance on equipment; maintains accurate records. 

    • Moves and positions raw materials and finished components with use of material moving equipment.

    • Follow appropriate standard operating procedures as per guidelines for operating and maintaining vehicle. 

    • Performs other duties as assigned. 

What do you need to be considered for the role of Heavy Equipment Operator II?

  • 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment.

    • Be over 18 years of age.

    • Legally eligible to work in the United States

    • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

    • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.

    • Take accountability for adhering to our safety guidelines.

    • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues

    • Able to problem solve while independently.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) most of the workday.

    • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 30 pounds occasionally.

    • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) rarely. 

    • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements most of the workday. 

    • Normal setting for this job is: shop or field. 

If this sounds like what you've been looking for, then click 'Apply now' to start your tomorrow, today.

Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $26.00 - $27.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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