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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator Jobs in Merced, CA

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA · On-site

$34.26 - $41.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters--an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters-an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters-an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA · On-site

$34.26 - $41.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters-an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA

$34.26 - $41.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters--an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With 3+ years of recent critical care you'll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters-an ICU in the sky ... out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Atwater, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Planada, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Turlock, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hickman, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Gustine, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Denair, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hughson, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Winton, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Delhi, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Newman, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plan, brief, fly, and debrief missions in jets, helicopters, turboprops, and other tactical aircraft to conduct strike, air superiority, anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, electronic warfare ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator information

See Merced, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do fly in fly out excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for fly in fly out excavator operator in Merced, CA is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $30.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fly in fly out excavator operator?

To thrive as a Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator, you need experience operating heavy machinery, a valid excavator ticket, and often a high-risk work license or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS machine guidance systems, safety protocols, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability to remote environments, and teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and effective collaboration in demanding and isolated job sites.

What is a fly in fly out excavator operator?

A Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) Excavator Operator is a heavy equipment operator who typically works on remote mining or construction sites that are not close to major towns or cities. Instead of relocating, these workers are flown to the worksite for a set period (such as a week or two), then flown back home for a break. Their main responsibility is to operate excavators to move earth, rock, or other materials as part of site development, mining, or construction projects. The FIFO arrangement allows companies to access skilled labor for projects in isolated locations, while providing workers with blocks of time off between shifts. This role often requires flexibility, physical fitness, and the ability to work long hours in challenging environments.

What are the typical work schedules and living arrangements like for fly in fly out excavator operators?

FIFO Excavator Operators usually work on a rostered schedule, such as two weeks on site followed by one week off, though this can vary by employer and project location. While on site, operators commonly stay in company-provided accommodation, often referred to as 'camps,' which offer meals, laundry, and recreational facilities. The work environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among other machine operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams. Adapting to the remote lifestyle and extended periods away from home are common challenges, but many operators value the competitive pay and extended time off between shifts.

What is the difference between Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator vs Mobile Plant Operator?

AspectFly In Fly Out Excavator OperatorMobile Plant Operator
CertificationsExcavator license, HR or MC licenseHR license, machinery operation certification
Work EnvironmentRemote sites, construction, miningConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure
Employer & IndustryMining companies, civil constructionMining, construction, infrastructure projects

Both roles often require similar certifications and work in remote or construction environments. The main difference is that Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operators specialize in operating excavators specifically, often working on remote projects, while Mobile Plant Operators may operate a variety of machinery. Both are essential in mining and construction industries, with overlapping skills but different equipment focus.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,456 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

$34.26 - $41.88/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Air Methods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

In Merced, you’ll deliver lifesaving care for the community you love and live in, soaring above California’s landscapes. With 3+ years of recent critical care you’ll fly in state-of-the-art helicopters—an ICU in the sky—providing advanced care while continuing your education with our support. Ready for a new adventure?


Job Summary

Responsible for providing high-quality critical care, including assessment, triage, and treatment utilizing standards and guidelines established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Director(s). You’ll assess the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize the care needed for the safe transport of the critical patient to the appropriate facility and are responsible for carrying out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS, assuring that safety remains the highest priority throughout the transport continuum.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

• Provides nursing care within his/her scope of practice from the initial contact until patient care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility; maintains thorough patient care documentation.

• Maintains competency in knowledge and psychomotor skills by participating in ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences. Communicates educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator. Maintains documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures and attends continuing education programs pertinent to his/her area of practice.

• Knowledgeable in using and maintaining all equipment and supplies used by Air Methods CBS. Responsible for reporting medical equipment failures and taking initial steps to ensure equipment repair as directed. Maintains adequate supplies onboard aircraft to deliver patient care. Keeps aircraft clean and orderly to ensure rapid response to all transport requests.

• Functions as a medical flight member by attending pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and completing necessary documentation. Assists in pre-mission liftoff checklist and assists pilot as requested, i.e., radio, navigational, and visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure the safety of self, medical personnel, patients, and equipment and conducts aircraft safety briefings as needed.

• Serves as a flight resource to neonatal/pediatric personnel when transporting specialty patients by helicopter and performs advanced skills and procedures as approved by Air Methods CBS Medical Director(s).

• Participates in patient and referring institution follow-up and in planned outreach marketing and education activities

• Acts as a preceptor and/or participates in orientation of new employees and students as assigned and communicates program goals and objectives.

• Participates regularly in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees (to include research and publishing opportunities).

• Other Duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

• Regularly scheduled attendance

• Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 5%

•Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

•This position has no supervisory responsibilities.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the position's essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field preferred but not required

• Minimum three (3) years of recent critical care/emergency nursing experience within the last five years or as required by state/ local EMS regulations

• Pre-hospital experience preferred

• Flight experience is not required but is a plus!

Operation and Safety Requirements:

· As a member of the Clinical Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.

Skills

Skills as required to practice nursing as defined by assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards

• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public while executing strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of collaboration at all levels

• Demonstrates high critical thinking and reasoning skills and strong attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment that requires the ability to prioritize and multi-task

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and 24/7 on-call rotation

• Dependable and self-motivated while working in a frequently changing environment

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal

Computer Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current RN license(s) for states of practice

• EMS or MICN certification/licensure as required by state regulations

• Current certifications in Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR; ACLS; PALS or equivalent (AHA, ARC, or ASHI only courses if state or county required) and TPATC/TNCC/ITLS/PHTLS advanced provider (if state or county required)

• If you do not have a current trauma certification, Air Methods will provide the TPATC online course to be completed prior to new hire orientation

Other certification requirements:

• Specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) are required within 24 months of hire

• Advanced Trauma Course requirement: One (1) of the following certifications are acceptable: TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course before completion of third-rider training

• NRP certification before completion of the third-rider orientation

• NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, 800, and HazMat before completion of third-rider training


Benefits

Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:

· Health, Dental and Vision

· Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan

· Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Full Company-Paid Life Insurance

· AD&D Insurance

· Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Business Travel Accident Insurance

· Voluntary Legal

· Relocation Assistance

· Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs


USD $34.26/Hr.
USD $41.88/Hr.

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


What Air Methods employees say

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980