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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator Jobs in Modesto, CA

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

The Hydro Vac Operator plays a critical role in ensuring precision excavation with minimal risk to underground infrastructure. Key Responsibilities: * Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to ...

Part-Time Human Resources Assistant

Oakdale, CA · On-site

$38K - $49K/yr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist with maintaining employee records in HR systems and personnel files. * Assist with onboarding tasks, including new hire paperwork and monitor and ...

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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Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for fly in fly out excavator operator in Modesto, CA is $27.60, 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 job categories do people searching Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Fly In Fly Out Excavator Operator job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,400 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

$17 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Roto-Rooter rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 277 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Overview
Excavator Operator
Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.
If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, providing excellent pay, flexible work schedules and top benefits.
We are growing and have an excellent opportunity for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in Livermore, CA. The average earnings for this position are between $75,000-$100,000, depending on experience.
Responsibilities
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials on residential and commercial job sites.
  • Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines.
  • Follow OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with a crew to efficiently complete excavation work on various projects.
  • Interact with customers as needed, providing excellent customer service and addressing their requirements professionally.
  • Maintain excavation equipment and gather all necessary equipment from the branch and/or rental companies to ensure smooth operations during excavation tasks.
  • Perform excavation work in confined spaces and open trenches, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Locate and arrive at job sites promptly, ensuring safe driving and operation of service vehicles between locations.

Requirements
  • Essential requirement: Construction experience in both residential and commercial projects.
  • Mandatory requirement: Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position.
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as required for the role.
  • Complete jobs within specified timelines.

Service technicians are paid an hourly rate of $17.00 to $24.00 during training. After training, they are paid an hourly rate at or above the minimum wage for all hours worked. The hourly pay rate may vary, depending on whether the pay is for base pay paid at the employee's base hourly rate (minimum wage), or administrative pay for administrative hours worked (between minimum wage and $77.92) . Service technicians also have the potential to earn commissions at the rate of 16-22% of revenue depending on the revenue category. Commissions ranging from $10 to $139 can also be earned for selling products and treatments.
Benefits
At Roto-Rooter we believe our greatest investment is in our employees. We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That's why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:
  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout our 86 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are a great fit at our company.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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