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Digger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Salinas, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Salinas, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

Mechanic

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$27 - $51/hr

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...

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Showing results 1-20

Digger information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$33

How much do digger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for digger in California is $26.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a digger?

Diggers are workers or machines that excavate soil, rocks, or other materials from the ground, typically for construction, mining, or landscaping projects. The term often refers to both manual laborers who use tools like shovels and pickaxes, as well as to heavy equipment operators who control machinery such as excavators and backhoes. Diggers play a crucial role in preparing sites for building foundations, installing utilities, or extracting resources. Their work requires physical strength, attention to safety, and sometimes specialized training for operating equipment.

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

To thrive as a Digger, you need physical strength, stamina, a basic understanding of construction or excavation processes, and sometimes relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as operating small machinery like mini-excavators, is often required. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate site work, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by diggers on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Diggers often encounter challenges such as working in varying soil conditions, operating heavy machinery safely, and coordinating with other site workers. These challenges can be managed by adhering to safety protocols, conducting regular equipment maintenance, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and team members. Staying adaptable and attentive to site-specific hazards helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is the difference between Digger vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDiggerExcavator Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a basic operating license or certificationRequires a valid excavator operator certification or license
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping, miningConstruction sites, demolition, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageCommonly used term in casual or general contextsFormal job title used in industry and official listings
Job ScopeRefers to the machine or the operatorSpecifically the skilled operator of excavator machinery

While both terms relate to heavy machinery used in construction, a Digger generally refers to the machine itself or a casual term for the operator, whereas an Excavator Operator is a formal job title for a professional trained to operate excavator equipment in various construction and mining projects.

Infographic showing various Digger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,065 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Telecommunications Mechanic 1 (OSP)

A&T Systems

Monterey, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

A&T Systems, Inc. is seeking a qualified Telecommunications Mechanic I to provide Outside Plant (OSP) support as part of a government contract. The Telecommunications Mechanic I will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of copper, coaxial, and fiber optic cables. The role includes preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) of telephone poles, pedestals, manholes, and handholes, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and guidelines.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
  • Install, maintain, de-install, and repair copper, coaxial, and fiber optic cables from point of demarcation to the installation service point.
  • Conduct PMCS of installation telephone poles, pedestals, and underground cable enclosures, reporting deficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
  • Provide accurate and timely reports on inspections, maintenance tasks, and repairs.
  • Perform manual fusion splicing of fiber optic cables using industry-standard techniques.
  • Ensure all cable terminations meet Electronic Industry Association / Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) standards.
  • Operate specialized equipment, including lashing machines, ventilation machines, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and personnel lifts.
  • Perform safety inspections, pump excess water from manholes, and remove debris in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
  • Conduct communication closet inspections, maintaining 90% connectivity and performing necessary repairs within 48 hours.
  • Provide timely restoration of transmission services, ensuring compliance with response time requirements.
  • Coordinate cable locates, process digging permits, and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.
  • Conduct gas testing in confined spaces and follow all safety procedures during manhole and handhole inspections.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in OSP cable installation, maintenance, and repair.
  • Proficiency in fiber optic fusion splicing, copper cable splicing, and testing.
  • Knowledge of EIA/TIA standards and telecommunications systems.
  • Experience operating OSP equipment such as bucket trucks, digger derricks, and lashing machines.
  • Familiarity with OSHA confined space training and safety regulations.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and site plans.
  • Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate commercial vehicles as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • OSHA Confined Space Awareness Certification.
  • Fiber Optic Technician Certification.
  • Previous experience supporting government telecommunications contracts.

Work Environment:
  • Primarily outdoor fieldwork, including work at heights and in confined spaces.
  • Exposure to various weather conditions and potential hazardous environments.
  • Use of protective equipment as required.