Excavator Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Heavy Excavator Operator (80-Ton) – Trenching Project

Job Description

This role is for a highly skilled Heavy Excavator Operator to operate an 80-ton excavator on a trenching project supporting underground sewer, water, and utility pipe installation. The position focuses on deep excavation and utility construction while maintaining exceptional safety standards and productivity. This is a temporary assignment expected to last approximately one month, with the potential for additional work based on performance and project needs.

Responsibilities

• Operate an 80-ton heavy excavator safely and efficiently on trenching and utility installation projects.
• Perform trench excavation for sewer, water, pipeline, and underground utility installation to meet project specifications.
• Work closely with pipe crews, foremen, and project management to coordinate excavation activities and maintain schedule and quality standards.
• Excavate around existing utilities, structures, and critical infrastructure while preventing damage and maintaining clearances.
• Follow grade stakes, site plans, blueprints, and engineering drawings to achieve accurate depths, widths, and alignments.
• Conduct thorough pre-shift equipment inspections and promptly report any maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, HAZWOPER requirements, and site-specific safety protocols.
• Support related activities such as backfilling, material handling, site preparation, and site clean-up as needed.
• Ensure trenches are excavated to proper depth, width, and line requirements to support safe and efficient pipe installation.
• Work around active excavation sites and underground utilities while maintaining situational awareness and hazard control.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors to ensure safe operations and efficient workflow.
• Uphold a strong safety culture by following all safety procedures and participating in safety meetings and briefings.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating large excavators, preferably 80-ton class heavy equipment.
• Proven experience working on sewer, water, pipeline, or underground utility construction projects.
• Current 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification, with ability to provide documentation and/or 8-hour refresher as required.
• Knowledge of excavation and trench safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to accurately interpret grades, blueprints, site plans, and utility installation drawings.
• Strong safety record and demonstrated commitment to safe work practices in construction and environmental settings.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from the job site.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks in a construction environment.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain, including inclines and active excavation sites.
• Proficiency in English to follow instructions, read safety documentation, and communicate effectively with the crew.
• Ability to sit and operate heavy equipment for extended periods and safely enter and exit machinery throughout the workday.
• Team-oriented mindset with strong work ethic and reliability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification (preferred).
• NCCCO or equivalent heavy equipment certification (preferred).
• Experience working in environmental remediation, municipal infrastructure, or industrial construction projects.
• Familiarity with GPS machine control systems and grade control technology.
• Experience in construction labor tasks such as trenching, site clean-up, and general material handling.
• Experience in environmental and construction projects, including work on remediation or specialty sites.
• Ability to adapt to complex tasks with guidance and support from project leadership.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that treats temporary employees with the same respect and support as full-time staff, providing guidance and assistance on complex tasks to help you succeed. The organization emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professional conduct in an environmental and construction-focused setting, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful remediation and infrastructure projects. You will work in a collaborative environment where strong work ethic, reliability, and a commitment to safety are valued and recognized.

Work Environment

This position is based in an outdoor construction and environmental setting, with frequent exposure to the elements and varying weather conditions. Work occurs on a remediation project at a former shooting range located on an industrial site, involving frequent walking on uneven ground and inclines, as well as working around active excavation areas and underground utilities. The role requires operating heavy equipment for extended periods, performing physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, and participating in site clean-up and construction activities. The environment is safety-focused, with adherence to OSHA, HAZWOPER, and site-specific regulations, and uses standard construction tools, heavy equipment, and environmental remediation practices. Attire is typical construction wear suitable for outdoor work, including appropriate protective gear as required by site safety protocols.

This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $32.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.