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Entry Level Excavator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LJB, Inc.

Entry Level Tunnel Engineer - 2027

Riverside, CA · On-site

$8.1K - $99K/yr

View our 2026 Benefits Summary ENTRY LEVEL TUNNEL ENGINEER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Produce technical ... of excavation (shafts & tunnels - including connection details and complex structures), and ...

New

H.M. Holloway

Heavy Equipment Operator 2

Lost Hills, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

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 ...

Caccia Home Services

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 ...

Caccia Home Services

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 ...

Caccia Home Services

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 ...

Caccia Home Services

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 ...

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All JobsExcavator JobsEntry Level Excavator JobsEntry Level Excavator Jobs in California

Entry Level Excavator information

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$13

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$41

How much do entry level excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 on-the-job training or a vocational program, and earn a commercial driver's license if required. Gaining familiarity with excavation equipment, safety protocols, and basic construction skills is essential, and some employers may require certification from organizations like OSHA or NCCER.

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

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in California are:

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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?

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

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

Entry Level Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 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.

Entry Level Tunnel Engineer - 2027

LJB, Inc.

Riverside, CA • On-site

$8.1K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description
LJB Engineering Company, is a national engineering consulting firm currently seeking an Entry Level Tunnel Engineer for our Los Angeles, CA office location. The ideal candidate will have 0-3 years of experience working on working on geotechnical, underground, tunnel, or trenchless construction projects and possess the professional and interpersonal skills to make a positive impact on our firm and the clients we serve.
We are looking for a motivated professional with a forward-thinking mindset, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and a collaborative spirit.
Salary Range: $81,00 - $99,750 based upon experience, certifications, and regional market standards.
Benefits: View our 2026 Benefits Summary
ENTRY LEVEL TUNNEL ENGINEER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Produce technical deliverables according to client specifications with appropriate guidance.
  • Prepare construction plans and specifications, structural/geotechnical calculations and design reports, and technical memoranda with appropriate guidance.
  • Communicate technical and non-technical information in a concise, professional manner, including participation in technical meetings and workshops with owners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Produce engineering calculations including tunnel, geotechnical, and structural calculations (including numerical analysis) as required in support of tunnel and trenchless design including support of excavation (shafts & tunnels - including connection details and complex structures), and adherence to all local and national codes of practice for concrete, steel, and timber design.
  • Assist in preparation of technical memoranda, letters, and reports, including geotechnical data reports (GDR's), and geotechnical baseline reports (GBR's).
  • Assist with geotechnical engineering associated with tunnel and trenchless design, including development of design parameters from geotechnical reports and project documents.
  • Assist with structural engineering associated with tunnel, shaft, and stations, including lining, connections, support of excavation, and retaining structures in steel, concrete, and timber.
  • Observe construction in the field on an as needed basis.
  • Field based assignments will include weekdays, night, and weekend work. Office based assignments will require a standard weekday business hours work schedule.

ENTRY LEVEL TUNNEL ENGINEER
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant area of study (Civil, Structural, Geological/Geotechnical, or related field).
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Thorough knowledge of relevant technical codes, operations, processes, and trends.

Core Skills:
  • Excellent problem solving, decision making, and teamwork skills.
  • Excellent technical writing skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, contractors, and clients.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise independent judgment, interact with other staff, and collaborate with other disciplines.

Why Join LJB?
Join LJB to build your career alongside experienced engineers while gaining hands-on exposure to complex tunnel, geotechnical, and trenchless projects. We provide opportunities to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility as you develop your technical expertise.
LJB Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to succeed. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status under applicable law. If you are a self-starting individual who wishes to join an established team that believes in excellence in the workplace, this opportunity is for you.
Recruiters or staffing agencies: LJB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement will be considered the property of LJB, and no fees will be paid. Please direct all communications to the HR team.
Keywords: Entry level, Tunnel Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer

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