2

Entry Level Excavator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Heavy equipment may include excavators, front-end loaders, dozers, scrapers and other pieces of equipment. This role requires more advanced skills and knowledge compared to an entry-level operator ...

Underground Plumber

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Operate excavators, jackhammers, and related equipment to dig trenches, break concrete, and prepare ... Pay $30 (entry level) up to $45-$50++ per hour DOE, plus overtime potential and additional ...

Underground Plumber

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Operate excavators, jackhammers, and related equipment to dig trenches, break concrete, and prepare ... Pay $30 (entry level) up to $45-$50++ per hour DOE, plus overtime potential and additional ...

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Utilities Maintenance I This is the entry level class in the ... Determine location of gas, telephone, power, television, water and sewer lines prior to excavation.

Can independently operate one or more types of heavy equipment (directional drill, mini excavator ... Provides training and support to entry level laborers ensuring compliance to ADB's operating and ...

Equipment Operator

Auburn, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Maintenance Worker This is the entry level class in the Equipment ... Operate construction equipment, including motor graders, front loaders, excavators, forklifts ...

... excavators, and trucks, into autonomous robots for commercial and defense applications. Our ... or inventory management (entry-level candidates welcome) * Strong attention to detail and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Excavator information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do entry level excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level excavator in California is $25.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level excavator?

An Entry Level Excavator job involves operating heavy machinery to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites under supervision. Responsibilities may include assisting with site preparation, following safety protocols, and maintaining equipment. This role typically requires basic equipment training, a willingness to learn, and physical stamina. Many employers provide on-the-job training for beginners.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level excavator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Excavator, you need basic knowledge of heavy equipment operation, safety procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with operating excavators and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment operator cards is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure safe, efficient excavation work while reducing the risk of accidents and supporting team success on construction sites.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level excavators on the job?

Entry level excavators often encounter challenges such as adapting to different types of heavy equipment, learning site-specific safety protocols, and managing varying soil or weather conditions. You'll need to quickly become comfortable following precise instructions from supervisors and communicating effectively with coworkers to ensure tasks are completed safely. There can also be physical demands, including long hours outdoors and lifting or moving materials. However, these challenges present excellent learning opportunities and help you build valuable skills for career growth in the construction industry.

How to get started as an entry level excavator

To start as an entry-level excavator operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation, and earn relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions helps build skills and understanding of construction sites and machinery. Familiarity with tools, safety protocols, and physical fitness are also important for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Excavator jobs in California?

For Entry Level Excavator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Excavator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Excavator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Excavator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Excavator job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,695 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Permitting Specialist

AllSTEM Connections

Baldwin Park, CA • On-site

$74K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Title: Project Analyst (3488)
Location: Ontario, CA (hybrid 2 days on-site)
Duration: 1 year
Pay Rate: $35.62/hr
Job Description:
The Agency Coordinator Senior Specialist (ACSS) position acquires excavation/encroachment permits and traffic control permits for work performed in the Public Right of Way under our franchise agreement. They also acquire excavation/encroachment permits and traffic control permits for work performed in the Caltrans Right of Way. The role involves permit acquisition support and reports to the Northern Division in the Construction Permit Organization (CPO).
Key responsibilities include:
• Reviewing complex project plans and construction drawings with planners to identify the permits required to support the construction of facilities.
• Determining the appropriate internal resources to be utilized to obtain permits.
• Communicating with various governmental agencies and other external organizations to obtain favourable permit conditions for the installation of facilities.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with permitting staff of various governmental agencies to ensure accurate application submittals and timely approval of permit requests.
• Ensuring permit applications are properly identified and prepared for submittal to permitting agencies, submitting permit applications and obtaining approved permits from the responsible permitting agencies.
• Acting as a single point of contact for internally and externally generated questions related to permit applications; providing approved permits to appropriate project managers or construction personnel prior to the start of construction.
• Tracking the status of permit applications; reporting the status of permit applications to all internal stakeholders; mentoring entry-level permit & contract specialists.
• Addressing unfavourable or unacceptable permit conditions and escalating as necessary.
• Supporting and monitoring new business processes.
Requirements:
• Associate's Degree
• Three or more years of experience in permitting planning, engineering, construction, inspection, utility Design, and/or project management support.
• Experience acquiring encroachment, excavation and/or traffic control permits.
• Proficient at interfacing with governmental agencies to acquire necessary construction permits.
• Working within construction timelines and with various construction personnel and clients.
• Reporting on project status to internal and external stakeholders.
• Acting as the point of contact for internal and external generated questions related to permit applications.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AllSTEM Connections is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AllSTEM Connections participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Additional Skills
(none specified)
AllSTEM Representative Contact Info
Account Executive:
Ruiz
Branch Phone:
(909) 244-1777
Location:
Ontario, CA