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Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

KASA Construction Inc.

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

... operator to join our team. We are looking for a skilled Operating Engineer to operate heavy and ... This includes work on highways, bridges, dams, water pipeline, tunnel work, grading, excavation ...

BrightView Landscapes

Irrigation TECH

Riverside, CA

$20.50 - $27/hr

This position is adept at operating different kinds of heavy machinery such as trenchers and soil ... Excavate and trench using shovels and other excavation hand tools. * Backfill and compact in clean ...

BrightView

Irrigation TECH

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

This position is adept at operating different kinds of heavy machinery such as trenchers and soil ... Excavate and trench using shovels and other excavation hand tools. * Backfill and compact in clean ...

BrightView

Irrigation Tech LOMA LINDA

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

This position is adept at operating different kinds of heavy machinery such as trenchers and soil ... Excavate and trench using shovels and other excavation hand tools. * Backfill and compact in clean ...

Qcells

Substation Electrician III

Irvine, CA · On-site

This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and other equipment while adhering to safety standards. The Electrician ...

Qcells

Substation Electrician III

Irvine, CA

This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and other equipment while adhering to safety standards. The Electrician ...

Congruex

Bore Locator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Operate excavation equipment (Mini excavator, trencher, bore machine, hydro-vac, etc) * Walk and confirm bore path with bore operator, spot utilities * Ensure proper clearances to install the product ...

Congruex

Bore Locator (Underground)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Operate excavation equipment (Mini excavator, trencher, bore machine hydro-vac, etc) * Walk and confirm bore path with bore operator, spot utilities * Ensure proper clearances to install the product ...

Sotera Health

Operator

Corona, CA

$22.50/hr

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Process Supervisor, the Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work orders at the load and unload stations.

Pioneer Circuits Inc.

Covercoat Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

About the Opportunity The Lamination Covercoat Operator applies Final Layer Covercoat and stiffeners and process layers through the PHI Press Machine while ensuring that all jobs are processed in ...

Pacer Group

Machine Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Machine Operator Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Pay Rate: $19/hour on W2 Shift: 2nd Shift - 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM Shift Premium: $1.00/hour Work Environment: * Climate-controlled facility

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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.
Paving Machine Operator

Paving Machine Operator

Centuri Construction Group

Chino, CA

$35 - $50/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Pay Range: $35.00 - $50.00 

Centuri companies consider several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education, training and skills, and geographic location.

Who We Are

At NPL, part of The Centuri Organization, our employees are part of an established team working to support America's natural gas utility and energy infrastructure. Working at NPL means you are joining a company with over 50 years of experience, long-standing customer relationships, and one that is deeply integrated into our host communities. Come grow your career with us and be a part of something bigger.

As an experienced Paving Machine Operator, after paid training, you will be responsible for operating an asphalt paver in a safe and efficient manner. Equipment may include, but is not limited to, asphalt paver, screed, rollers, and cold planer. 

What You'll Do
  • Operate equipment as directed for the construction of roads and other projects as needed
  • Work with one or several types of paving equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize the risk of injury and property damage
  • Read and understand grade stakes, automated machine control cab displays, etc.
  • Properly utilize equipment to accomplish tasks involving grade, slope, yield, etc.
  • Safely maneuver machinery in tight quarters, around people, traffic and utilities
  • Clean, maintain and secure all equipment
  • Ensure that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed
  • Assist with repairs as needed
  • Perform other duties as requested by leadership
  • Work with multiple crews
What You'll Have
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3 -5 years of work experience operating asphalt pavers, screeds, rollers, and cold planers
  • Must possess a Class A CDL or willingness/ability to obtain
What You'll Get
  • Join the Largest Natural Gas Distribution Contractor in the United States
  • Weekly Payroll
  • Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety 
  • Employee Assistance program benefit
  • Health Insurance Plan benefit
  • Retirement Plan benefit
Work Environment
  • Work sites are outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions
  • All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English
  • Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling
  • Work is performed within the "red zone" of heavy equipment
  • Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
Legal Stuff
  • Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens
  • Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify
  • Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record
  • Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card
  • Join and maintain Union membership
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

This job description is subject to change at any time. It reflects management's assignment of essential functions, and does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Centuri and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.  Centuri will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested.

Centuri is a Department of Transportation regulated employer. Certain safety-sensitive positions are covered under the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations, 49 CFR Part 40. It is important to note that marijuana remains a drug listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the company's Drug Free Workplace Policy to use or test positive for marijuana.

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