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Commission Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Commission Backhoe Loader Operator information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$36.1K

$62.3K

$96.2K

How much do commission backhoe loader operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for commission backhoe loader 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commission Backhoe Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commission Backhoe Loader Operator, you need strong equipment operation skills, a valid heavy equipment operator's license, and thorough knowledge of safety regulations. Familiarity with backhoe machinery, maintenance tools, and sometimes GPS or site management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help operators work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, timely, and precise completion of construction or excavation projects.

What are Commission Backhoe Loader Operators?

Commission Backhoe Loader Operators are skilled professionals who operate backhoe loaders—heavy construction equipment used for tasks like excavation, digging, backfilling, and material moving—on a commission or contract basis. Instead of being regular company employees, they are often paid per job or project, offering their services to construction firms, municipalities, or private clients. Their duties include maneuvering the backhoe loader safely, performing routine maintenance checks, and ensuring work is completed efficiently and according to specifications. Safety, precision, and knowledge of machinery are critical skills for this role.

What is the difference between Commission Backhoe Loader Operator vs Construction Equipment Operator?

AspectCommission Backhoe Loader OperatorConstruction Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction sites, various heavy machinery operations
Job DutiesOperate backhoe loaders for digging, trenching, loadingOperate various heavy machinery including bulldozers, excavators

The main difference is that a Commission Backhoe Loader Operator specializes in operating backhoe loaders, focusing on excavation and loading tasks, often under specific commission-based projects. In contrast, a Construction Equipment Operator may handle a variety of heavy machinery across different construction tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction environments, but their scope of equipment operation varies.

What are some common challenges faced by Commission Backhoe Loader Operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Commission Backhoe Loader Operators often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling unexpected ground obstructions, and adhering to tight project timelines. To manage these, operators must be adaptable, maintain a strong focus on safety protocols, and communicate effectively with site supervisors and team members. Regular equipment inspections and proactive maintenance also help minimize downtime, ensuring smooth operations on the job site.
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Commission Backhoe Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Commission Backhoe Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Commission Backhoe Loader Operator job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,267 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Operating Engineer - Journeyman- Union

McGuire & Hester

Bodega Bay, CA • 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

Employment Type: FULL_TIME