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Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cass Arrieta

Equipment Operator

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Cass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Underground Loader and Excavation Operators . Minimum 2 years experience in Underground Utilities, Excavation, and Backfill. If you do not have 2 or more years of ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job.They ... Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required. * Monitors equipment condition for regular ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job.They ... Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required. * Monitors equipment condition for regular ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice Employer in utility construction since 1936, is hiring Directional Drill and Excavating Equipment Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office.

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Front Loader Motor-Grader Bulldozer Excavator Skid Steer Experienced operators are encouraged to apply! General Accountabilities Operate and maintain yard equipment safely and efficiently. Handle ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Front Loader Motor-Grader Bulldozer Excavator Skid Steer Experienced operators are encouraged to apply! General Accountabilities Operate and maintain yard equipment safely and efficiently. Handle ...

Elite Earthworks

Finish Skiploader Operator

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$30/hr

The function of the Operator is to operate heavy and light equipment to perform work as directed ... Dozer, Loader (+- 0.4') with GPS (0.10') * Excavator (0.4') * Scraper (0.5') * Mini Ex (0.1') * ...

Centuri Group, Inc.

Paving Machine Operator

Chino, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

As an experienced Paving Machine Operator, after paid training , you will be responsible for ... Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety * Employee ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Excavator Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Riverside, CA is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $29.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Excavator Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingSimilar certifications, often OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping
Job DutiesDigging, lifting, demolition with large excavatorsDigging trenches, loading, small-scale excavation
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructureConstruction, landscaping, utility companies

While both Excavator Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and use similar safety certifications, Excavator Operators typically handle larger machinery for heavy-duty tasks, whereas Backhoe Operators focus on smaller-scale digging and loading. The choice depends on project size and equipment used.

What does an Excavator Operator do?

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery called excavators to move earth, dig trenches, lift materials, and perform site preparation on construction projects. They control the excavator’s boom, bucket, and other attachments with precision to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Excavator Operators also perform routine equipment maintenance, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with site supervisors and other workers. Their work is crucial in building foundations, roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

What Is an Excavator Operator?

As an excavator operator, you control the heavy equipment that moves dirt, sand, and other materials on construction sites. In addition to operating the excavator machine, your job duties are to perform routine maintenance on your excavator and coordinate with your supervisor for major repairs. Since your heavy machinery will move earth, rubble, and debris around the construction sites at your jobs, you need to communicate with the site supervisor and other construction workers to ensure everyone’s safety while you’re operating the excavator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, maintenance software, and various models of excavators is typically required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by Excavator Operators on construction sites?

Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other heavy equipment to maintain safety and efficiency. Managing unexpected underground obstacles and ensuring accurate digging according to site plans also requires strong attention to detail. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to minimize delays and prevent accidents, making teamwork a critical aspect of the role.
More about Excavator Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Excavator Operator job openings:
Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,762 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Lead Excavator Operator/Backhoe Operator

Cass Arrieta

San Bernardino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Cass Arrieta is a General Engineering Contractor specializing in wet utilities, dry utilities, structural concrete, and associated scopes of work within the public and private markets.  With a combined total of more than $750 million of pipeline and structural concrete work completed to date, Cass Arrieta specializes in water-sewer-storm drain pipelines, dry utilities, pump stations, pipeline assessment, water and waste-water facilities, water reservoirs, emergency work, and slope reconstruction.  There are numerous General Engineering Contractors in Southern California but we separate ourselves with superior service, quality of work, and integrity.

With projects spanning across Southern California, the career opportunities at Cass Arrieta are always evolving. 

As a company we believe our most important asset is our employees.  We strive to provide industry leading benefits that provide them a secure and better future. 

We can provide the security and benefits of a large corporation yet still embrace our family owned culture.

Job Description

Cass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Lead Excavator/Backhoe Operators. Must be experienced in deep sewer mainline sloped trench excavating, OR experienced in dry utility joint trench mainline excavating.

Minimum 3 years experience, please do not apply if you do not have at least 3 or more years of experience.

We must be able to verify references, you will be tested on equipment prior to hiring.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Submit resumes or call for application

Job locations will be located throughout the Inland Empire

Job Type: Full-time

Competitive Wages based on experience

COVID-19 considerations:
To keep everyone safe masks are required at all times.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Construction Experience: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location:

  • Multiple locations throughout the Inland Empire 

Work Remotely:

  • No

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

  • Social distancing guidelines in place
  • Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

EOE/Disabilities/Veterans