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Contract Excavator Loader Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Seasonal Ranch Worker

Oakville, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manualsMust be highly ... loaders, excavators etc.)Willingness and ability to work flexible hours when needed, including ...

Seasonal Ranch Worker

Oakville, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manualsMust be highly ... loaders, excavators etc.)Willingness and ability to work flexible hours when needed, including ...

Truck Driver

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$33.02 - $48.05/hr

You may be assigned intrastate long-haul trips and may direct the work of limited-term contract ... operated, load carried and driver responsibilities. * Demonstrated driving ability to operate ...

Truck Driver

Windsor, CA · On-site

$21.59 - $27.45/hr

Load, unload, and organize orders carefully at customer sites and branch locations to make sure ... service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement. Benefits

Driver

Windsor, CA · On-site

$21.59 - $27.45/hr

Load, unload, and organize orders carefully at customer sites and branch locations to make sure ... service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement. Benefits

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Contract Excavator Loader Operator information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do contract excavator loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator loader operator in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Excavator Loader Operator vs Contract Bulldozer Operator?

AspectContract Excavator Loader OperatorContract Bulldozer Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, equipment-specific trainingOSHA certification, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction sites, grading and land clearing
Industry UsageHeavy civil, infrastructure, demolitionRoad building, land clearing, grading

The Contract Excavator Loader Operator and Contract Bulldozer Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments but focus on different equipment. Excavator loaders handle digging and material handling, while bulldozer operators mainly perform land grading and clearing. Both are essential in construction projects, but their specific tasks and equipment differentiate their roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract excavator loader operator?

A Contract Excavator Loader Operator typically needs hands-on experience with heavy equipment operation, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, safety protocols, and maintenance tools is often required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate effectively on job sites and prevent accidents. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise completion of excavation and loading tasks in construction or mining environments.

What are common challenges faced by contract excavator loader operators on job sites?

Contract Excavator Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying site conditions, working with different teams, and maintaining equipment reliability under tight project deadlines. Each job site may have unique terrain, weather, and safety protocols, requiring operators to be flexible and proactive in problem-solving. Additionally, as contractors, operators must efficiently communicate with site supervisors and other trades to ensure smooth workflow and timely project completion.

What is a contract excavator loader operator?

Contract Excavator Loader Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery, such as excavators and loaders, on a contract basis for construction, mining, landscaping, or infrastructure projects. They are responsible for tasks like digging, earthmoving, material handling, and site preparation, often working for different employers on temporary assignments. These operators must have the technical skills to safely and efficiently handle equipment, follow site plans, and adhere to safety regulations. Contract work offers flexibility and a variety of job sites, but may not always provide the same job security or benefits as full-time positions. Most employers require operators to have relevant certifications and prior experience.

Are contract excavator loader operator jobs in demand?

Contract excavator loader operator jobs are generally in demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and the need for skilled heavy equipment operators. Employment opportunities often depend on regional construction activity and the operator's certifications and experience. Strong skills in operating excavators and loaders, along with safety training, can improve job prospects in this field.
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Contract Excavator Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Contract Excavator Loader Operator job openings:

Operating Engineer - Journeyman- Union

McGuire & Hester

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$54 - $61/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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