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Entry Level Excavator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Plumbing Inc.

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 Plumbing Inc.

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 ...

City of Los Banos

Utilities Maintenance III

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$59K - $76K/yr

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.

ADB

QA/QC Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24/hr

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 ...

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Entry Level Excavator information

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$13

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How much do entry level excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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:

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:

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.

On-call Remediation Heavy Equipment Operator

GRAYMAR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LLC

Fontana, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

GrayMar Environmental Services continues to expand its national footprint while remaining firmly grounded in the values that define who we are. We live by Respect, Integrity, Safe Work Practices, Excellence in Service, and a deep sense of Family - a commitment we proudly call RISE through Caring.

We specialize in environmental remediation, health and safety, hazardous materials management, waste disposal, and environmental emergency response. Through comprehensive and sustainable solutions, we help our clients and the communities we serve manage risk, maintain compliance, and protect the environment. Safety is our top priority, and we take pride in our highly skilled, dedicated team that works together to get the job done safely—every time.

At GrayMar, every employee is seen, heard, and valued, not as a number, but as a member of our family. Our culture supports continuous learning, professional development, and long-term career growth. We offer a robust benefits package that includes wellness programs, a 401(k) with company matching, spending account options, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also provide company-paid life and disability coverage (long and short-term), ensuring our employees are supported both in and out of the field.

Inclusion at GrayMar is not just an initiative; it is fundamental to how we innovate and grow. We draw strength from diverse experiences and perspectives and foster an inclusive environment where every voice matters. As we continue to grow nationwide, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers while building a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and proud to belong.


Position Overview

The On-Call Remediation Heavy Equipment Operator provides skilled equipment operation support for environmental remediation, emergency response, civil construction, industrial cleaning, disaster recovery, excavation, demolition, and site restoration projects throughout the United States. This position is open to operators of all experience levels, from developing operators to highly skilled master operators.

Assignments may be scheduled with limited notice and may require extensive travel, extended work rotations, weekend work, holiday work, and overtime. Operators are expected to safely operate equipment within their demonstrated level of competency while maintaining compliance with company safety standards, environmental regulations, and client requirements.

Compensation will be determined based on the operator's experience, certifications, equipment proficiency, and demonstrated mastery of complex equipment operations.


Key Responsibilities

  • Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently in support of:
    • Environmental remediation projects
    • Soil excavation and removal.
    • Site restoration
    • Demolition activities
    • Disaster recovery operations
    • Emergency response projects
    • Civil and industrial construction activities
  • Operate equipment according to demonstrated qualifications and project needs.
  • Perform excavation, grading, backfilling, loading, hauling, and material handling activities.
  • Safely work around underground and overhead utilities.
  • Conduct pre-trip, post-trip, and daily equipment inspections.
  • Complete required equipment inspection and maintenance documentation.
  • Identify safety hazards and immediately report incidents or near misses.
  • Read and follow project plans, specifications, grade stakes, and work instructions.
  • Perform basic preventive maintenance and housekeeping on assigned equipment.
  • Assist field personnel with project activities as needed.
  • Comply with OSHA, EPA, DOT, state, local, and company safety regulations.
  • Participate in safety meetings, hazard assessments, and project briefings.
  • Support emergency mobilizations and disaster response deployments.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


Equipment May Include

  • Depending on skill level and certification, operators may be assigned to operate:
    • Entry-Level Equipment
      • Skid Steers
      • Mini Excavators
      • Compact Track Loaders
      • Water Trucks
      • Rollers
      • Small Loaders
    • Intermediate Equipment
      • Excavators
      • Dozers
      • Backhoes
      • Wheel Loaders
      • Off-Road Haul Trucks
      • Compactors
    • Advanced Equipment
      • Long-Reach Excavators
      • High-Reach Demolition Excavators
      • Specialized Material Handlers
      • GPS-Controlled Equipment
      • Large Mass Excavation Equipment
      • Complex Multi-Function Equipment Systems


Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
  • Ability to pass company-required background checks, drug screenings, and medical evaluations where applicable.
  • Ability to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
  • Ability to safely operate equipment at the demonstrated skill level assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification.
  • CDL Class A or B.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • Equipment-specific certifications.
  • Experience in environmental remediation, construction, demolition, industrial services, or disaster response.
  • GPS machine control experience.
  • Excavation and trenching experience.
  • DOT medical certification.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing project conditions.
  • Ability to travel extensively and work away from home for prolonged periods.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Effective verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work successfully in diverse environments and weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to climb into and out of heavy equipment regularly.
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, and physically demanding environments.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
  • Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours during project deployments.


Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 60 days of full-time employment.
  • 401(k) with possible yearly company match.
  • Company paid STD, LTD, and life insurance.
  • Company paid time off and holidays.
  • Career path programs and ongoing company paid training.
  • Family culture with positive and safe work environments.


Disclaimer: This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC.

GrayMar Environmental Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at GrayMar are based on one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, victims of a QAOV and those with a family member who is a victim of a QAOV, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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