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Earth Moving Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Majority of earth-moving activities will be associated with environmental contamination. Operate equipment with both CAT and John Deere controls. Maintain and perform minor equipment repair in ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Majority of earth-moving activities will be associated with environmental contamination. Operate equipment with both CAT and John Deere controls. Maintain and perform minor equipment repair in ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$54/hr

... part of earth-moving operations at an environmental remediation site. Heavy equipment may have either CAT or John Deere controls. Perform minor maintenance and equipment repair. Primary ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$54/hr

... part of earth-moving operations at an environmental remediation site. Heavy equipment may have either CAT or John Deere controls. Perform minor maintenance and equipment repair. Primary ...

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Earth Moving information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do earth moving jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for earth moving in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an earth moving job?

Earth moving jobs involve the operation of heavy machinery to move, remove, or shape large amounts of earth or soil, typically for construction or mining projects. Workers in this field may operate equipment like bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and loaders to prepare sites for building, roadwork, or landscaping. These jobs require good physical fitness, attention to safety protocols, and often, specialized training or certification for operating machinery. Earth moving is a crucial part of the construction and mining industries, ensuring that sites are properly prepared for further work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in earth moving, and why are they important?

To thrive in Earth Moving, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with operating equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, as well as knowledge of GPS or grade control systems, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and help maintain project timelines and site safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced when operating earth moving equipment, and how can they be managed?

Operators of earth moving equipment often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating uneven or unstable terrain, and managing equipment maintenance. To overcome these, safety protocols must be strictly followed, regular equipment inspections are essential, and clear communication with site supervisors and other team members helps ensure efficient workflow. Continuous training on new technologies and safety practices can also help operators adapt and reduce risks on the job.

What is the difference between Earth Moving vs Excavator Operator?

AspectEarth MovingExcavator Operator
CredentialsHeavy equipment operator license, certifications in earth movingOperator license, specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscapingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Job RoleGeneral operation of various heavy machinery for earth movementOperate excavators for digging, trenching, lifting

Earth Moving is a broad term covering various heavy machinery operations for relocating soil and materials, while Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators specifically. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or mining environments, but Earth Moving encompasses a wider range of equipment and tasks.

How do you become an earth mover?

To become an earth mover, you typically need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, and acquire a commercial driver's license (CDL) if operating large equipment. Many employers also require familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certification from organizations like OSHA.

What are popular job titles related to Earth Moving jobs in California?

For Earth Moving jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Earth Moving jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Earth Moving jobs in California are:

Earth Moving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Earth Moving job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,332 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Equipment Mechanic

Westlands Water District

Five Points, CA • On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Equipment Mechanic

Location: Five Points Shop & Field Office (approx. 45 miles SW of Fresno, CA).
Department: Procurement & Fleet Services.
Salary Range: $70,620 – $77,868 annually.
Application Period: June 29, 2026 – Until the Position is Filled.
MUST APPLY ON DISTRICT WEBSITE. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THIRD-PARTY CAREER PLATFORMS.
About the Role:
Westlands Water District is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Equipment Mechanic to join our team! In this role under the supervision of the Senior Automotive and Warehouse Coordinator, performs repair, and maintenance on automotive vehicles; construction-type, mobile, earth-moving, and load-lifting equipment; and various heavy-duty, portable, and stationary engines. Equipment Mechanic is a skilled level classification.
Work Schedule:
  • Standard Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Summer Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Key Responsibilities:
Performs predictive and preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, service, and repair of engines, transmissions, differentials, steering systems, brakes, automotive vehicles, construction-type, mobile, earth-moving, and load-lifting equipment, and heavy-duty portable and stationary engines.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience: Possess a United States’ high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and five (5) years of experience as a heavy equipment mechanic supplemented by specialized training in maintenance and repair.
Standard Requirement:
This position requires regular operation of District vehicles and various heavy-duty equipment in the performance of assigned duties. Incumbents must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess a California Class A Driver’s License with air brake endorsement and an automotive air conditioning certificate for service and repair, or obtain both within twelve (12) months of appointment. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or other similar certifications highly desired.
Benefits:
  • CalPERS Retirement Plan.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • Life & Disability Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
  • Paid Vacation and Medical Leave.
  • 11 Paid Holidays.
  • 1 Floating Holiday.
  • Longevity Pay.

How to Apply: Submit your Westlands Water District Employment Application and Equipment Mechanic Supplemental Application-Open June 29, 2026, until the position is filled. Applications can be submitted online, in person, by mail, email, or fax.
Contact Information:
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5199, Fresno, CA 93755.
  • Physical Address: 286 W. Cromwell Ave., Fresno, CA 93711.
  • Email: resume@wwd.ca.gov.
  • Fax: (559) 241-6286.
  • Phone: (559) 241-6207.

For more details, visit our website at wwd.ca.gov.
Westlands Water District is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer.
Join us in providing a reliable and affordable water supply to our community!