ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Experience Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 ...

LB3 Enterprises

Heavy Equipment Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

You're Good At * Operating a variety of heavy equipment with experience on dozers, excavators ... graders, haul trucks, scrapers, and more * Being a team-player and bringing your great attitude to ...

Pramira Inc

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Experience operating 16"-26" micro trenching equipment * Knowledge of slurry backfill and restoration operations * Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices

Pramira Inc

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

Experience operating 16"-26" micro trenching equipment * Knowledge of slurry backfill and restoration operations * Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices

Pramira

Operator

Brea, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Experience operating 16"-26" micro trenching equipment * Knowledge of slurry backfill and restoration operations * Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

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

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

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

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

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

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... Excavating Equipment Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office. The starting wage range for this position is $24.00 to $28.00 an hour depending on skills, experience, and ...

Pramira Inc

Micro Trench Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

Experience operating 16"-26" micro trenching equipment * Knowledge of slurry backfill and restoration operations * Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices

Pramira Inc

Micro Trench Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

Experience operating 16"-26" micro trenching equipment * Knowledge of slurry backfill and restoration operations * Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices

Aguinaga Green Inc

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExperience Excavator Operator JobsExperience Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Experience Excavator Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do experience excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for experience 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 are some common challenges an Experience Excavator Operator might face on the job site?

Experience Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and maintaining safety around other heavy equipment and personnel. Precision is crucial, especially when digging near underground utilities or existing structures. Operators must also adapt to changing weather conditions that can affect visibility and equipment performance, and regularly coordinate with site supervisors and other crew members to ensure the project stays on schedule.

What is the difference between Experience Excavator Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectExperience Excavator OperatorExcavator Operator
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL or equivalentOSHA safety training, CDL or equivalent
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, landscaping, demolition
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, heavy equipment rental firmsConstruction firms, landscaping companies

Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction-related environments. The key difference is that an Experience Excavator Operator typically has more hands-on experience, enabling them to handle complex tasks efficiently. An Excavator Operator may be newer to the field or have less practical experience but performs similar duties. Employers often seek experienced operators for high-stakes projects, but entry-level operators are also in demand for basic tasks.

What is the career path for excavator operators?

Excavator operators can advance their careers by gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications, and learning new equipment or techniques. They may progress to supervisory roles, equipment management, or specialized construction positions, often requiring ongoing training and skill development.

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

To thrive as an Experienced Excavator Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, site safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, hydraulic machinery, and maintenance tools is important for efficient and safe operations. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and communication skills help operators work effectively within a team and adapt to changing site conditions. These skills and qualities are essential for maximizing productivity, ensuring job site safety, and minimizing equipment downtime.

Are excavator operators in high demand?

Excavator operators are in high demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and the need for skilled heavy equipment operators. Employment prospects are strong for those with proper certifications, experience, and knowledge of equipment maintenance and safety protocols.

Is Excavator Operator a stressful job?

Excavator operators often work in physically demanding environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can contribute to stress. Factors such as tight deadlines, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols may also impact stress levels, but proper training and experience help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the top pay for an Excavator Operator?

The top pay for an experienced excavator operator can reach up to $30 to $40 per hour or more, depending on location, level of experience, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled operators with certifications and specialized equipment knowledge tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or large-scale construction projects.

What are Experience Excavator Operators?

Experience Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery called excavators to dig, move, and lift materials at construction sites, mines, or other industrial locations. They are responsible for safely and efficiently performing tasks such as trenching, foundation digging, and site preparation. Operators must have in-depth knowledge of the equipment, safety regulations, and job site procedures. Typically, they have several years of hands-on experience and may hold specific certifications or licenses. Their expertise ensures projects are completed accurately and on schedule.
What are popular job titles related to Experience Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Experience Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Experience Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Experience Excavator Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Experience Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Experience Excavator Operator job openings:
Experience Excavator Operator jobs near you

Lead Excavator Operator/Backhoe Operator

Cass Arrieta

San Bernardino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 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