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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt ... Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary * Available to work ...

Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt ... Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary * Available to work ...

Laborer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

How you can make an impact * Assist project personnel with hand excavation/digging (using shovels or picks). * Follow equipment operator during excavations and pipe installations to clear earth ...

Laborer

San Diego, CA

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

How you can make an impact * Assist project personnel with hand excavation/digging (using shovels or picks). * Follow equipment operator during excavations and pipe installations to clear earth ...

Laborer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

How you can make an impact * Assist project personnel with hand excavation/digging (using shovels or picks). * Follow equipment operator during excavations and pipe installations to clear earth ...

Machine Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.75/hr

As a Machine Operator, you will be operating Amada laser and NC combo machinery and equipment ... Maintain all equipment used, including cleaning and regular maintenance * Follow best digging ...

Machine Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.75/hr

As a Machine Operator, you will be operating Amada laser and NC combo machinery and equipment ... Maintain all equipment used, including cleaning and regular maintenance * Follow best digging ...

Machine Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.75/hr

As a Machine Operator, you will be operating Amada laser and NC combo machinery and equipment ... Maintain all equipment used, including cleaning and regular maintenance * Follow best digging ...

Sign Installer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

... sign installations, operating equipment, and representing the company professionally while ... Operate hand tools, power tools, ladders, digging equipment, and other installation equipment ...

... sign installations, operating equipment, and representing the company professionally while ... Operate hand tools, power tools, ladders, digging equipment, and other installation equipment ...

Operator

Richmond, CA · On-site

$52.42/hr

B Operator Primary Location: Richmond, CA Schedule: 12 hr rotating (day shift 7am-7pm; night shift ... equipment as needed. Cleaning, sweeping, tool room and warehouse inventory, trash removal, digging ...

Operator

Richmond, CA · On-site

$42.24 - $52.42/hr

B Operator Primary Location: Richmond, CA Schedule: 12 hr rotating (day shift 7am-7pm; night shift ... equipment as needed. Cleaning, sweeping, tool room and warehouse inventory, trash removal, digging ...

... digging, installing utilities, moving material, inspecting ground conditions, ensuring traffic ... Can independently operate one or more types of heavy equipment (directional drill, mini excavator ...

Operator

Richmond, CA · On-site

$52.42/hr

B Operator Primary Location: Richmond, CA Schedule: 12 hr rotating (day shift 7am-7pm; night shift ... equipment as needed. Cleaning, sweeping, tool room and warehouse inventory, trash removal, digging ...

Showing results 21-40

Digging Equipment Operator information

What are some common challenges faced by digging equipment operators on construction sites?

Digging Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance under demanding circumstances. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure safety and project efficiency. Operators must also stay vigilant about underground utilities and adapt quickly to changes in site plans, making flexibility and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Digging Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of safety protocols, and experience operating heavy machinery, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and effective communication enhance performance and safety on the job site. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and accurate excavation work, minimizing risks and project delays.

What is the difference between Digging Equipment Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDigging Equipment OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, demolition, landscaping
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, mining firms, utility contractorsConstruction firms, excavation services, landscaping companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery for digging tasks, often requiring similar certifications and working in construction or excavation environments. The term "Excavator Operator" specifically refers to operating excavators, while "Digging Equipment Operator" can encompass a broader range of machinery. However, in many cases, these titles are used interchangeably, with the primary focus on excavation work.

What is a digging equipment operator?

Digging equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, trenchers, and other equipment used for digging and earthmoving tasks. They work on construction sites, road projects, utility installations, and other infrastructure projects, ensuring that trenches, foundations, and holes are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. These operators are trained to handle complex machinery, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
What cities in California are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Digging Equipment Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Operator
Who We Are
Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few environmental professionals, very experienced in both solid waste management and construction. Since then, Landmarc has grown dramatically into a multi-disciplined, vertically integrated landfill construction and service company. Our resources and unbeatable expertise enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the dynamics of the marketplace. We are one of the largest contractors in the nation to provide gas extraction, leachate collection, and operations and maintenance services for the landfill industry. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.lmenvsys.com/.
Our company offers a unique working environment that specializes in a wide variety of projects ranging from drilling landfill gas extraction wells, installing new pipe systems to collect landfill gas, HDPE fusion, dropping and setting pneumatic pumps. Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt hauling, and overall site dress up.
Benefits
  • $20.00-$30.00 per hour depending on experience/qualifications
  • Life Insurance (Paid by the Company)
  • Company Matching 401(k)
  • Daily Per Diem (Lodging, Meals, Travel Expenses)
  • Room for advancement within the Company
  • Overtime available (40-75 HRS is typical)
  • Benefits begin on the first day of employment
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Financial Security: Paid Time Off - PTO, Holidays, 401(k) with company match, health savings account, and flexible spending accounts
  • Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement and support for continuing education
  • Additional Benefits: From day one, disability insurance, an employee assistance program, Paid Parental Leave, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance to name a few

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Travel for extended periods of time - 4 weeks on, 1 week off
  • Living in hotels & traveling between states 100% of the time
  • Walk long distances, up and down steeply sloped landfills and outdoor terrain
  • Ability to do heavy, manual work
  • Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis
  • Work in extreme (hot and cold) weather conditions safely including on very odorous project sites
  • Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary
  • Available to work overtime and weekends if necessary
  • Assist site supervisors with the materials and equipment needs and helping to collect supplies for projects
  • Perform system construction activities in a safe and proper manner
  • Fuse HDPE pipe ranging from 2"- 36"

Operator Responsibilities/Qualifications
  • Perform daily maintenance and safety checks of equipment
  • Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment, and clean, lubricate and refill equipment as necessary
  • Work with ground personnel in the excavation and installation process of laying pipe online and grade
  • Ensure trench is excavated to the proper depth/grade
  • Ability to grade on 1:1,2:1, and 3:1 slopes
  • Cut grade with minimal time spent on excavating to ensure production is on schedule
  • Conduct trench work, which meets 01 ISA requirements
  • Operate Excavator, maintaining proper awareness of one's surroundings.
  • Ensure a sound understanding of the issues involving ground disturbance
  • Perform routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth operation of the Excavator
  • Ability to step out of equipment and assist with groundwork if necessary
  • Landfill construction experience
  • Oil and Gas pipeline experience
  • 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and articulated dump truck
  • Landfill experience preferred

If you are qualified, want a new opportunity and are looking for a solid future, send in your resume! And please, check out our website http://www.lmenvsys.com/.
EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability
Landmarc Environmental Systems maintains a drug-free workplace.