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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Groundman

Perris, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... connections and operating pulling equipment. Job Responsibilities: * Travel to various job ... Work will include the use of hand and power tools; digging holes by hand for pole installation ...

Showing results 21-29

Digging Equipment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging equipment operator in Riverside, CA is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:

Short-Term Worker - Maintenance, Custodial, Grounds Pool

Rancho Cucamonga, CA โ€ข On-site

Chaffey College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$16 - $48/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary: $16.00 - $48.00 Hourly
Location : 5885 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Job Type: Short-Term Worker
Job Number: 19-20/00049
Department: District-Wide
Opening Date: 10/01/2019
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Short-term, temporary assignments in:
  • Maintenance
  • Custodial
  • Grounds
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Being able and ready to work in-person with Chaffey students, Chaffey employees, or other members of the Chaffey community/Chaffey partners/Chaffey contractors is an essential function of this job.
Responsibilities
Maintenance duties include:
  • Performing routine repair and maintenance of various systems including plumbing & electrical and their associated fixtures and components;
  • Performing drywall repair/painting;
  • Monitoring and maintaining other related District systems and/or equipment; and
  • Performing other general maintenance tasks as assigned.
Custodial duties may include:
  • Assisting with general facilities maintenance such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
  • Assisting with restocking soap and paper products, emptying, cleaning, and sanitizing waste containers, and cleaning writing boards, surfaces, trays, and erasers.
  • Cleaning restrooms, classrooms, meeting rooms and offices.
  • Assisting with furniture and equipment moves and set ups.
  • Sweeping walks and entrances; picking up litter.
  • Operating equipment such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaning machines, hot pressure washers.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Grounds duties may include:
  • Lawn, shrub, and planter maintenance.
  • Assisting with repair and maintenance of irrigation systems.
  • Assisting with athletic field preparations.
  • Assisting with cleaning and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Assisting with general grounds clean-up such as raking leaves and vegetation debris, picking up trash, sweeping sidewalks, cleaning gutters and downspouts.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Skills required (Maintenance):
  • Experience in general maintenance and repair of plumbing, electrical systems, drywall, and painting;
  • Ability to follow oral and written directions, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Skills required (Custodial):
  • Ability to follow oral and written directions, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Skills required (Grounds):
  • Ability to use standard grounds maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Ability to do strenuous physical work for extended periods of time, including stooping, lifting, and digging activities.
  • Ability to follow oral and written directions, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Information
Scheduling and Other Requirements
  • Workdays and number of hours per day will vary dependent upon need of the department.
  • Successful completion of a background check.
  • Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.
  • Ability to pass functional capacity test (physical agility exam) may be required.
  • Depending on position, incumbents are routinely exposed to chemicals used in industrial cleaning and pest control; to noise from machines such as vacuum cleaners and carpet shampoo machines; and to unsafe or unsanitary conditions that they are assigned to correct.
  • Depending on position, there may be exposure to other chemicals being used in assigned work areas, such as paint fumes from chemistry and other lab areas.There is potential exposure to fire and chemicals used in fire extinguishers and to security problems in isolated buildings.
  • Depending on position, may perform strenuous physical work in unfavorable weather conditions, and require work with potentially hazardous chemicals such as pesticides.
Application must be filled out completely and in detail using the Chaffey College Online Application website. Please do not include any additional documents other than a cover letter and resume.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Human Resources, (909) 652-6549 or (909) 652-6526.
Short-term workers contribute to social security, are covered under workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and sick leave is provided according to AB 1522.