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Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Jobs in California

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program Completed (Certificate in hand) CAC Criteria. Desired Knowledge and/or Skills: * Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program Completed (Certificate in hand) CAC Criteria. Desired Knowledge and/or Skills: * Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operator apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator apprentice in California is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy equipment operator apprentice?

A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice is an individual who is learning to operate large machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes under the supervision of experienced operators. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, teaching safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and operational techniques. The goal is to gain the skills and experience necessary to become a certified heavy equipment operator. Apprenticeships typically last several years and may lead to full-time employment in construction, mining, or other industries that use heavy machinery.

What types of equipment and tasks can a heavy equipment operator apprentice expect to handle during their apprenticeship?

As a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice, you will typically work with a variety of machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and graders under the supervision of experienced operators. Your daily responsibilities may include basic equipment operation, routine maintenance checks, adhering to safety protocols, and assisting with site preparation or cleanup. Apprentices often rotate between different tasks and machines to gain broad hands-on experience, preparing them for more advanced roles. Collaboration with other crew members and learning from mentors is a vital part of the apprenticeship, helping you develop both technical and teamwork skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and often OSHA certification or training in equipment-specific systems is valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for success in this hands-on role. These qualities ensure safe, efficient operation and the ability to progress to more advanced responsibilities in the field.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator ApprenticeHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training or apprenticeship programsRequires completion of apprenticeship or certification, with experience in operating heavy machinery
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction, and industrial settings under supervisionFull responsibility for operating equipment on construction sites, mining, or infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers hire apprentices to train and develop skills in construction, mining, and infrastructure sectorsExperienced operators employed in similar industries, responsible for safe and efficient equipment operation

The main difference is that a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice is in training and gaining skills under supervision, while a Heavy Equipment Operator is fully qualified and responsible for operating machinery independently. Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for a career as a fully licensed operator, ensuring safety and proficiency in the field.

How to get a heavy equipment operator apprentice job with no experience?

To secure a heavy equipment operator apprentice position with no experience, applicants should focus on obtaining a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate physical fitness, and learn basic equipment operation through training programs or online courses. Many employers offer on-the-job training and look for candidates with a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and safety awareness; obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training can also improve chances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in California?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,684 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Finish Grade

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$40 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator/Finish Grade - Grading Division
General Summary: Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground, and Paving Divisions for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local contractor that is based in Loomis and performs work in the greater Sacramento area and surrounding foothills. Western Engineering is a reputable company that has been rooted in the industry for over 40 years.
Essential Functions: Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt paving machines, backhoes, tractors, and scrapers, to excavate, move, spread, compact and grade earth, rock, and asphalt paving materials.
Education Requirements: High school diploma preferable.
Experience Requirements: 5 or more years of Heavy Equipment Operator experience.
Bonus: Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program Completed (Certificate in hand) CAC Criteria.
Desired Knowledge and/or Skills:
• Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating procedures.
• Capable of performing close tolerance work safely and productively.
• Knowledge of material handling methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of local site conditions.
• Capability to cut finish grade with use of motor-graders and skip-loaders.
• Knowledge of GPS machine control systems such as Trimble and Topcon.
• Ability to read plans and stakes a plus.
• Familiar with OSHA regulations.
Benefits
• Health, vision, Life insurance, and dental insurance plans offered.
• Matching 401K contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Pay is $40-46 per hour based on experience.
About the Company
Western Engineering Contractors provide initial mass grading, utility installation, finish paving, and complete pre-construction services. Nearly every aspect of these services is completed in-house, utilizing Western employees and equipment. This full-service full-commitment approach, and over 40 years of experience, is what has established Western as the Sitework Specialist in the greater Sacramento area.
We often have Section 3 work. Preference will be given to Section 3 residents for hiring.
Please no phone calls.
No recruiters, please.
Western Engineering Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Revised 4.24.26

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