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Backhoe Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Make Ready Fielder

Corona, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

IES specializes in excavation, backhoe trenching, directional drilling, aerial fiber optic placement just to name a few services that we provide. We are looking for a Telecom Fielder to be part of ...

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Backhoe information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$59.4K

$91.8K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Riverside, CA is $59,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $64,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backhoe operator?

Backhoe operators are skilled construction workers who operate backhoe loaders, which are heavy equipment machines used for digging, trenching, and moving earth and materials. They are responsible for maneuvering the backhoe safely on job sites, excavating foundations, loading trucks, and sometimes assisting in demolition tasks. Operators must understand how to read site plans, follow safety protocols, and perform basic maintenance on their equipment. Their work is essential in construction, landscaping, and utility installation projects.

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

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized equipment certification. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, safety protocols, and GPS or telematics systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong spatial awareness, and effective communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently with team members. These skills and qualifications ensure safe equipment operation, reduce risk of accidents, and contribute to successful project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by backhoe operators on construction sites, and how can they be overcome?

Backhoe operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, managing equipment maintenance, and ensuring safety around other workers and machinery. To overcome these challenges, operators should remain vigilant about their surroundings, communicate effectively with team members, and follow established safety protocols. Regular maintenance checks and ongoing training can also help operators adapt to different job site conditions and handle unexpected obstacles efficiently.

What is the difference between Backhoe vs Excavator?

AspectBackhoeExcavator
Required CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility workConstruction sites, demolition, mining
Common UsageDigging, trenching, loadingHeavy digging, excavation, demolition

Backhoes and excavators share similar certifications and work environments, often used in construction and utility projects. The main difference is that backhoes are versatile with a front loader and rear digging arm, ideal for smaller or more precise tasks. Excavators are larger, more powerful machines suited for heavy-duty excavation and demolition work. Both are essential in construction but serve slightly different roles based on project needs.

How much money can you make with a backhoe?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or excavation can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for heavy equipment operators.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe operators are in steady demand across construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects, especially in regions with active development. Employment opportunities often require operating skills, safety certifications, and familiarity with heavy machinery. The job outlook remains positive due to ongoing infrastructure improvements and construction needs.

What is the hourly rate for a backhoe?

The hourly rate for a backhoe operator typically ranges from $20 to $35, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Skilled operators with certifications may earn higher wages, especially for specialized or long-term projects.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Backhoe jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Backhoe job openings:

Infographic showing various Backhoe job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,416 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Make Ready Fielder

Inland Engineering

Corona, CA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Make Ready Fielder

Corona Corporate - Corona, CA 92881

Overview

Salary Range $18.00 - $25.00 Hourly Level Entry Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Category Telecommunications

Telecom Fielder

Make-Ready Fielder

Inland Engineering Services, Inc (IES) is an engineering and construction company, successful in business since 2007. IES specializes in excavation, backhoe trenching, directional drilling, aerial fiber optic placement just to name a few services that we provide. We are looking for a Telecom Fielder to be part of the Make-Ready Department in our Corona facility, that has the desire to be a part of a winning team and growing company with many opportunities.

As a full-time Fielder Technician in the Make Ready Department you will be expected to complete a variety of tasks efficiently and accurately after your completed training. These tasks include, but are not limited to: walking from pole to pole to complete field engineering, taking clear pictures of all angles of poles, carrying Hastings stick and being able to use it to accurately measure communication heights. Represent IES and our clients at field meets, office meetings and public forums. Understanding, interpreting and explaining company proposed and approved plans. Maintaining expected turn-over of projects (See Make Ready Supervisor for current turn-over rate expectations). Notify co-workers of project status changes and follow-ups. Understanding and ensuring company project trackers are fully updated with fielding information. Always drive safely and be considerate of other drivers on the road. Maintaining company equipment and immediately notifying superiors of any issues. Often independently routing yourself to optimize assignments for each day. Communicate effectively and respectfully with all IES employees, clients and associates. As your skills and experience grow in the company, you may be required to take on additional processes. You will be expected to maintain regular attendance and consistency in quality and quantity of work. Finally, you will be expected to conform to all IES policies and procedures not listed herein.

Responsibilities included but are not limited to:

  • Travel to commissioned worksites and survey telecom to complete assigned projects.
  • Locate, field, and document detailed information of all aspects of the poles on the assigned route.
  • Measure attachment heights, structures dimensions and span distances.
  • Measure distances from existing/proposed OSP facilities.
  • Identify bonding and grounding requirements.
  • Must have knowledge in California Public Utilities Commission, GO95 document accordingly.
  • Adhere to safety practices and guidelines
  • Identify all possible safety hazards while out in the field.
  • Understand and strictly adhere to all quality requirements without deviation appointed by company and customer alike.
  • Communicate with team members daily.
  • Carrying all equipment out in the field- up to 40 pounds.
Qualifications

Experience, qualifications & skills

  • MUST have a valid California Driver's License
  • Must have and maintain an acceptable driving record.
  • Knowledge of GO95
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Safe Driving Practices
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Read/Update Trackers
  • Client/Field Meetings
  • Continuous Communication w/ Office E-mails/Calls)
  • Experience with aerial and underground utilities and the ability to read and understand scope of work.
  • Responsible of Vehicle Maintenance
  • Must be detail-oriented, and have legible handwriting, the ability to walk at least 2 miles per day with work equipment at hand.
  • Must have good communication skills.

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Exposure to noise, occasional interruptions, and frequent confinement workstation.

Normal office conditions exist in an open office environment with exposure to repetitive work.

  • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, crawl, climb, kneel, balance, push, pull and reach overhead.
  • Sit for long periods of time while driving.
  • Might be exposed to noise and occasional interruptions.
  • Work outside in varying weather conditions and/or extreme temperatures to complete tasks.
  • Lift or move up to 40 pounds. Constantly move about on the feet.
  • Complete full day assignments.
  • May be required to read engineering designs.
  • Possess good vision, normal or corrected.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Possess good hearing, normal or corrected.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, safety vest, FR shirt, work boots, jeans) at all times.
  • Must be able to work in the presence of customers and their representatives with little or no interference or disruption to the customer while maintaining a professional and courteous image.

Company perks

  • Company Vehicle
  • Fuel Card
  • All additional field tools

Benefits & perks

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off and sick time
  • Casual Work Environment

Inland Engineering Services, Inc. strives to hire, recruit and promote associates without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or veteran's status. IES is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. IES will make reasonable