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Bucket Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Can independently operate one or more types of heavy equipment (directional drill, mini excavator, hydro truck, bucket truck) with limited guidance from an experienced operator * Consistently meets ...

Equipment Operator

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

Equipment Operator

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

Loader Operator

Fontana, CA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check ... Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage ...

Loader Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check ... Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage ...

Equipment Operator

Eureka, CA · On-site

$39.65 - $39.78/hr

Equipment Operator Pay Rate Type: Non-Exempt Creation Date/Revision Date: 04/24/2026 Job Summary ... Demonstrate knowledge and trained to perform tree and bucket rescue. * Ability to operate and ...

Equipment Operator Pay Rate Type: Non-Exempt Creation Date/Revision Date: 04/24/2026 Job Summary ... Demonstrate knowledge and trained to perform tree and bucket rescue. * Ability to operate and ...

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

The ideal candidate has experience working at heights, operating bucket trucks, and safely performing aerial line work in various weather conditions. Key Responsibilities: * Install, maintain ...

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA

$22.75 - $31/hr

The ideal candidate has experience working at heights, operating bucket trucks, and safely performing aerial line work in various weather conditions. Key Responsibilities: * Install, maintain ...

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

The ideal candidate has experience working at heights, operating bucket trucks, and safely performing aerial line work in various weather conditions. Key Responsibilities: * Install, maintain ...

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Bucket Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do bucket operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bucket operator in California is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a Bucket Operator?

As a Bucket Operator, your daily tasks usually involve operating heavy equipment to move earth, sand, gravel, or other materials around a construction or mining site. You'll also be responsible for pre-operation machine inspections, routine equipment maintenance, and following site safety protocols. Cooperation with site supervisors, spotters, and other equipment operators is common to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth workflow. Staying attentive to ground conditions and changing site needs is crucial, as priorities may shift throughout the day. This role is physically demanding and requires good attention to detail to ensure material is moved accurately and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Bucket Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bucket Operator, you need strong equipment operation skills, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of construction or mining site safety, often supported by prior experience or on-the-job training. Familiarity with operating and maintaining heavy machinery—such as loaders, excavators, or skid steers—and holding relevant safety certifications (like OSHA or MSHA) is typically required. Excellent hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and teamwork are also important to work effectively in fast-paced, sometimes hazardous environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while minimizing workplace accidents and delays.

What is a Bucket Operator job?

A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift or bucket truck to access elevated work areas, typically in utility, tree care, or maintenance industries. They perform tasks such as trimming trees, repairing power lines, or installing infrastructure while following safety protocols. The role requires knowledge of equipment operation, worksite safety, and relevant regulations. Bucket Operators often work in various weather conditions and must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bucket Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Bucket Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Bucket Operator jobs in California? For Bucket Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bucket Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bucket Operator jobs in California are:
Travel Directional Drill Operator

Travel Directional Drill Operator

ADB

Sacramento, CA

$24/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago


ADB Companies rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

To be a team member at ADB Companies, or as we call it, part of the A-Team, you must be ALL IN to support the company’s mission, vision, and values.

OUR MISSION: We are a customer-centric partner providing innovative solutions. The safety, well-being, and career growth of our team members are the benchmarks of our success.

POSITION TITLE: Laborer II

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW:

ADB is a Nationwide full turnkey provider of technology infrastructure solutions including Wireline, Wireless, Technology, P&I and Engineering. Our customer centric approach has ensured long term relationships with commercial clients, service providers, local, state, and federal government organizations. We recognize our team
members as our greatest asset ensuring that their safety, well-being, and career growth are always our number one priority. Our ALL IN culture includes a focus on Safety, Wellness, Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, and giving back to our Communities.

ADB is seeking a Laborer II to provide outside plant (OSP) installation support on various sized and scope utility construction project sites. The Laborer II has proven experience working within a utility construction environment and possesses the technical knowledge, skills and experience to safely operate equipment that could include (Mini, Drill, Hydro and/or Bucket Truck) to complete various sized utility construction placement projects. The ideal candidate will be customer and quality centric, have a complete buy-in to safety, with a strong work ethic, and ALL IN attitude to achieve results.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Performs general manual strenuous laborer within all weather conditions that includes but is not limited to hand digging, installing utilities, moving material, inspecting ground conditions, ensuring traffic control, etc.
  • Supports crew with jobsite setup and closeout tasks that could include; loading and unloading trucks, taking photos, setting up cones and traffic signs, prepping equipment, etc.
  • Can independently operate one or more types of heavy equipment (directional drill, mini excavator, hydro truck, bucket truck) with limited guidance from an experienced operator
  • Consistently meets production expectations set by experienced Foreman, and/or members of management
  • Takes initiative and is actively engaged in training alongside experience Operators and Foreman learning installations and equipment operations, etc. General understanding and comfortability of safety risks while working in a safety sensitive position
  • Proficient ability to read prints and construction drawings
  • Under training and supervision, has basic level ability to locate utilities
  • Entry level ability of the 811 locate process and how to problem solve for existing utilities and make decisions based on findings in adherence to ADB’s policies and procedures
  • Entry level knowledge of daily redline and production reports
  • Safety is the expectation; complete buy-in and adherence to the safety culture and expectations by leading by example and actively participating in pre-task, good catch and safety assessment standards within the organization
  • Provides training and support to entry level laborers ensuring compliance to ADB’s operating and safety procedures
  • Performs other position duties when requested

SUCCESS FACTORS:

  • Travel Ability Nationwide
  • A strong belief in ZERO- Being Safe 100% of the time is the expectation
  • Alignment with company mission, vision, and values
  • A high level of customer centricity
  • Strong work ethic with an ALL-IN attitude
  • Strong attendance record
  • Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members
  • Ability to perform in a fast paced/high volume environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • A high level of time management, accountability, and prioritization skills
  • Ability to be organized, problem solve, and be solution oriented
  • Self-motivated, goal- oriented, and driven to accomplish department goals

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions like sitting, squatting, standing, walking, climbing, etc.
  • May be exposed to uncomfortable or distracting sounds or noise levels while onsite
  • This is a safety sensitive position; when working on site, will be required to wear common protective of safety equipment, such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, and steel toed boots

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

  • 1+ year of utility construction experience required
  • 6+ months of equipment operating experience of one of the following (Drill, Hydro, Mini, Bucket Truck) required
  • Valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a company vehicle strongly preferred
  • Class A CDL License strongly preferred
  • Competent Person and OSHA 10 certifications strongly preferred (ability to obtain within 6 months of hire required)
  • High School diploma or equivalent required

The starting pay for this position is $24.00 per hour and may vary based on the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

ADB Companies, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates agree to complete a selection assessment and pre-employment drug screen.