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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator Jobs in Merced, CA

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 ...

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

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

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

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 ...

Sales Associate

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Like working in a fast-paced and fun environment? We are high energy so time will fly. * You'll be ... You are applying for a job with an independently owned and operated cooperative member of Ace ...

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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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Merced, CA?

For Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Flight Nurse

Merced, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

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?

Responsibilities

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

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

Minimum payUSD $34.26/Hr.Maximum PayUSD $41.88/Hr.Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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)

Employment Type: FULL_TIME