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Earth Moving Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westlands Water District

$70K - $77K/yr

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 ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

California State Jobs

Tractor Operator-Laborer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The position will operate various tractors, earth moving equipment and implements. The position will assist with various tasks ranging from wildlife surveys, to providing public use opportunities ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

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All JobsEarth Moving JobsEarth Moving Jobs in California

Earth Moving information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do earth moving jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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, 81% Full Time, 14% 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.

Outside Sales Representative-Earth Moving Solutions

Sunbelt Rentals

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$40K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Sunbelt Rentals rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 319 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 175 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

Join Our Team!

Sunbelt Rentals strives to be the customer's first choice in the equipment rental industry. From pumps to scaffolding to general construction tools, we aim to be the only call needed to outfit a job site with the proper equipment. Not only do we offer a vast fleet that ranks among the best in the industry, we pair it all with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our employees are our greatest asset, and although we present a comprehensive equipment offering, our expertise and service are what truly distinguish us from the competition.

We pride ourselves on investing in our workforce and offer competitive benefits, as well as extensive on-the-job training for all eligible employees.

As a highly successful national company, we are constantly looking for talented individuals to support our growth. If you are interested in pursuing a rewardingcareer, we invite you to review our opportunities!

Job Description Summary

Outside Sales Representative
Are you seeking an entrepreneurial, empowering workplace that allows you to:
Leverage your cold-calling & closing skills to expand an existing portfolio within a high demand market
Develop skills to grow your career as part of a sales or operational management career track
Work with an incredible team of people that takes the extra step and make it happen for the customer
Sunbelt Rentals--the fastest growing rental business in North America--is seekingan Outside Sales Representative. As an Outside Sales Representative, you will be responsible for generating profitable business from the range of equipment that your profit center specializes in. You will do this by developing your assigned territory, implementing sales plans to grow business and maintain current customer base, and by helping to build the national Sunbelt branding identity.
Education or experience that prepares you for success:
4-year college degree in related field with at least 1 year of related experience OR 3-4 years of related sales experience
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
21 years of age
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities you may rely on
Strong project management, new business development and customer retention skills
Effective communication and negotiation skills
Solid computer skills
Knowledge of ground protection, construction or specialty industrial equipment preferred
Bilingual (Spanish) may be preferred in some locations
The physical demands of this role require bending, squatting, crouching, reaching, lifting 50 pounds or more, and working indoors/outdoors when required by the job. The above description is not a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or similar duties which may be required from day to day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to comply with applicable laws. Sunbelt Rentals is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran and any other protected class.
Related experience may include: Account Manager, Rental Sales, Parts Sales, Service Manager, Customer Service Representative, Construction Manager, Tools Manager, Counter Sales Representative, Equipment Associate, Manager Trainee, Manager in Training

Base Pay Range: $40,000.00 - 72,991.00

Total compensation package includes base pay, company vehicle, and robust commission plan.
Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. Please visit https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/careers/ for more information on our benefits and to join our Talent Network.
Sunbelt also provides a comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees. This package includes:

  • Health, Dental and Vision plans

  • 401(k) Match

  • Volunteer time off

  • Short-term and long-term disability

  • Accident, Life and Travel insurance, as well as flexible spending

  • Tuition Reimbursement Options

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Length of Service Awards

You will become eligible for benefits on the first of the month following 30 days from your start date. Sunbelt offers team members the following paid time off from work, subject to Sunbelt's policies (unless specified in a collective bargaining agreement):

  • 12-25 vacation days depending on years of service

  • 5 sick days

  • 6 holidays

  • 2 half day holidays

  • 2 floating holidays

  • 1 inclusion day

  • 1 volunteer day


Gear up for an exciting career!
Sunbelt Rentals supports service members. Veterans encouraged to apply.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Sunbelt Rentals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Sunbelt Rentals logo

About Sunbelt Rentals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sunbelt Rentals strives to be the customer's first choice in the equipment rental industry. From pumps to scaffolding to general construction tools, we aim to be the only call needed to outfit a job site with the proper equipment. Not only do we offer a vast fleet that ranks among the best in the industry, we pair it all with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our employees are our greatest asset, and although we present a comprehensive equipment offering, our expertise and service are what truly distinguish us from the competition.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Mill, SC, US

Year founded

1983

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