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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Calpine

Operator Technician III

Middletown, CA · On-site

$66.16 - $67.48/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

Calpine

Operator Technician III

Middletown, CA · On-site

$66.16 - $67.48/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

Sunbelt Rentals

Driver 3 - Tractor Trailer Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$31.13 - $46.69/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Long Haul Driver, Heavy Haul Driver, Lowboy Driver, Equipment Driver, Equipment Operator, Owner-Operator, Delivery Driver Base Pay Range: $31.13 - 46.69 Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors ...

New

RelaDyne LLC

Mechanic

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for an experienced Mechanic to keep our fleet and equipment operating safely and reliably. In this role, you'll inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair a variety of heavy-duty vehicles ...

RelaDyne

Mechanic

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for an experienced Mechanic to keep our fleet and equipment operating safely and reliably. In this role, you'll inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair a variety of heavy-duty vehicles ...

Peterson

H.D. Repairman - Field

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$65.82/hr

... owned and operated business. It's time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters ... heavy equipment repair, preferably in a heavy industrial environment with or an equivalent ...

CCL Label, Inc.

Finishing Operator

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Responsible for operating rewind and finishing equipment to inspect and slit and finish labels to ... heavy rolls (up to 50 lbs.) with lift assist. • Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. on a repeated ...

CalPortland

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

Napa, CA · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Equipment operated will include a loader, skid steer, water truck, man lift, forklift, etc ... Responsible for the day-to-day plant clean-up and maintenance including manual labor, heavy lifting ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do entry level heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level heavy equipment operator?

An Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator is a worker who operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other large construction equipment under supervision. They are responsible for assisting with site preparation, moving earth or materials, and following safety protocols on construction or industrial sites. Typically, entry-level operators are new to the field and may have completed vocational training or an apprenticeship, but have limited hands-on experience. They learn on the job and gradually take on more complex tasks as they gain skills.

What does an entry level heavy equipment operator do?

The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with machinery like excavators, loaders, and safety systems, as well as certifications such as OSHA or NCCER, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a safety-first mindset are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and the prevention of workplace accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level heavy equipment operators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level heavy equipment operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse machinery, maintaining safety standards, and working in varying weather conditions. Adjusting to the physical demands and learning to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors are also common hurdles. To overcome these challenges, new operators should seek hands-on training, ask for feedback from experienced coworkers, and consistently review safety protocols. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning can help ease the transition and foster career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Technician?

AspectEntry Level Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, job sites
Job FocusOperating machinery like excavators and bulldozersDiagnosing and repairing heavy equipment

While both roles involve heavy machinery, an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator primarily operates construction equipment on job sites, requiring safety training and basic certifications. In contrast, a Heavy Equipment Technician focuses on maintaining and repairing this machinery, often working in repair shops or maintenance facilities. The roles differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environments, but both are essential in the heavy equipment industry.

How to get an entry level heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level heavy equipment operators can start by obtaining a basic commercial driver's license (CDL) and completing a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level construction roles can also improve job prospects, along with demonstrating safety awareness and physical fitness. Certifications in equipment operation and a willingness to learn are valuable for entry-level candidates.
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The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,934 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Truck Driver & Equipment Operator

The Patriot Group

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

The Patriot Group is a fast-growing utility services company with a focus on supply and logistics, third party utility yard management, and fire safety services. Our company is based in San Diego county and is currently providing utility services throughout the state of California. 

Overview:

As a Truck Driver and Equipment Operator within our 3PL utility logistics operation, you play a key role in keeping our customers’ supply chains moving. You’ll be responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of goods across multiple locations, supporting a wide range of client needs in a dynamic logistics environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Transport freight safely, efficiently, and on schedule across customer locations
  • Follow all DOT regulations and maintain a clean, compliant driving record
  • Conduct routine inspections and basic maintenance on trucks and equipment
  • Keep accurate logs for deliveries, mileage, and vehicle maintenance
  • Maintain a clean, organized vehicle at all times
  • Coordinate closely with dispatch, warehouse teams, and customers to ensure smooth operations
  • Adapt to varying customer requirements and changing logistics priorities
  • Assist operations as needed in a variety of job types and functions
  • Operate forklift, skid steer, excavator and other yard equipment

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Solid understanding of truck operation, inspections, and basic maintenance
  • Strong attention to detail in documentation and safety procedures
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues on the road or in the yard
  • Flexibility to support a variety of routes, equipment types, and customer needs
  • Ability to operate forklift, skid steer, excavator and other yard equipment

Education & Experience:

  • Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Relevant endorsements or certifications preferred (e.g., tanker, doubles/triples)
  • Experience operating dump trucks, tractor‑trailers, and box trucks
  • Proven experience in logistics, transportation, or 3PL environments

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift heavy materials as needed
  • Ability to operate multiple truck types and related equipment

Apply