Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Heavy Excavator Operator

Must have 40 Hr Hazwoper

Job Description

This temporary role is for an experienced Heavy Excavator Operator to run an 80-ton excavator on a trenching project supporting underground sewer, water, and utility installation. You will perform deep excavation work around existing utilities and structures, support environmental cleanup activities, and uphold strict safety standards on an active construction site. The project is expected to last approximately one month, with potential for additional work based on performance and project needs.

Responsibilities

• Operate an 80-ton heavy excavator safely and efficiently on trenching and excavation projects.
• Perform trench excavation for sewer, water, pipeline, and underground utility installation to specified depth, width, and line requirements.
• Work closely with pipe crews, foremen, and project management to meet project specifications and schedules.
• Excavate around existing utilities, structures, and underground infrastructure while preventing damage.
• Follow grade stakes, site plans, engineering drawings, and utility installation plans accurately.
• Conduct thorough pre-shift equipment inspections and promptly report any maintenance concerns or safety issues.
• Maintain full compliance with OSHA regulations, HAZWOPER requirements, and site-specific safety procedures.
• Support backfilling, material handling, and site preparation activities as needed.
• Assist with site clean-up tasks in a construction and environmental remediation setting, including work at a former shooting range.
• Work safely around active excavation sites, underground utilities, and varying terrain, including inclines.
• Communicate effectively with team members and contribute to a cooperative, safety-focused work environment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating large excavators, preferably 80-ton class equipment.
• Current 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification, with ability to provide a copy of the original certificate and/or 8-hour refresher documentation.
• Previous experience on sewer, water, pipeline, or underground utility projects.
• Strong knowledge of excavation and trench safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to interpret grades, blueprints, site plans, and utility installation drawings.
• Proficient English communication skills to follow instructions and safety guidelines.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Demonstrated strong safety record and commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfort working in outdoor construction and environmental remediation settings.
• Ability to sit and operate heavy equipment for extended periods and enter/exit equipment safely throughout the workday.
• Ability to work around active excavation sites and underground utilities.

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.
• Experience with trenching, site clean-up, and general construction labor activities.
• Team-oriented mindset with strong work ethic and reliability.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that treats temporary employees with the same respect and support as full-time staff, offering guidance and assistance when complex tasks arise. The organization emphasizes safety, professionalism, and teamwork in both environmental and construction settings, providing opportunities to gain valuable experience on meaningful remediation and infrastructure projects.

Work Environment

This role is based in an outdoor construction and environmental remediation environment, including work on a former shooting range at a large industrial site. You will be exposed to varying weather conditions and elements, frequently walk on uneven surfaces and inclines, and work around active excavation areas and underground utilities. The work involves operating heavy equipment, performing physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, and adhering to strict safety protocols and HAZWOPER requirements throughout the shift. Standard construction-site attire and appropriate personal protective equipment are required.

This is a Contract position based out of Rancho Cucamonga, 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 Rancho Cucamonga,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.