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Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

PetersonCat

Heavy Duty Repair Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$45/hr

... in heavy equipment service; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must be a member of Local 3 of the Operating Engineers or be willing to become one as a condition of ...

Peterson

Heavy Duty Repair Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$45/hr

... in heavy equipment service; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must be a member of Local 3 of the Operating Engineers or be willing to become one as a condition of ...

Ongaro & Sons

Electrical Install Apprentice

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

As a family-operated business, we pride ourselves on integrity, service, quality, and commitment ... Reading and interpreting equipment manuals and work orders to perform the required repair or ...

New

Calpine

Operator Technician I

Middletown, CA

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals. Job Responsibilities * Entry-level; practical operating ...

Calpine

Operator Technician I

Middletown, CA · On-site

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals. Job Responsibilities * Entry-level; practical operating ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Apprentice JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator apprentice in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How long is a heavy equipment operator apprentice program?

A heavy equipment operator apprentice program typically lasts between 1 to 3 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. The duration may vary depending on the program's structure and the apprentice's progress, and it often includes earning certifications such as OSHA safety training.

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.

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 equivalent, complete basic safety and equipment operation training, and consider earning a relevant certification such as OSHA safety training. Gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or entry-level construction roles can also improve chances, as many employers value practical skills and a willingness to learn. Demonstrating reliability, physical fitness, and a strong work ethic can help you stand out to employers offering apprenticeship programs.

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 most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA 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 Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,934 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Diesel Technician Apprentice (Military Veterans)

Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program (IVAP)

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Victory Isuzu Trucks of Petaluma, California is seeking Military Veterans with mechanical experience who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Isuzu Service Technician.

This opportunity is part of the Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program (IVAP), a U.S. Department of Labor and GI Bill®-approved Registered Apprenticeship program designed to help qualified Veterans transition into the commercial truck industry. Through IVAP, participants may gain hands-on dealership experience while working toward successful completion of apprenticeship and certification requirements.

IVAP connects qualified applicants with participating Isuzu dealerships seeking skilled technical talent. Qualified applicants receive recruiting support, technical screening, dealership referral assistance, and guidance through the Registered Apprenticeship and GI Bill® benefits process, where eligible.

What You Will Do

As an Isuzu Service Technician Apprentice, you may support dealership service operations by assisting with the inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of Isuzu commercial vehicles. This may include working alongside dealership service teams, participating in on-the-job learning, and completing program-related apprenticeship requirements.

Ideal candidates may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Wheeled vehicle maintenance
• Diesel mechanics
• Heavy equipment maintenance
• Automotive repair
• Aircraft maintenance
• Generator maintenance
• Fleet maintenance
• Military maintenance supervision

Requirements

• Transitioning Service Member or U.S. Military Veteran status
• 3–5 years of military or civilian technician work experience
• Honorable military discharge or Commander’s Statement of Service
• Hands-on experience with diesel, automotive, heavy equipment, aircraft, generator, fleet maintenance, or related mechanical systems
• Ability to provide work references
• Clean driving record, as attested by the applicant
• Ability to complete the IVAP technical assessment
• Ability to pass applicable dealership background, driving record, or drug screening requirements

Preferred qualifications include:

• Diesel engine maintenance or repair experience
• Experience with commercial trucks, fleet vehicles, or heavy equipment
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand tools, and shop equipment
• Experience working with electrical, braking, suspension, HVAC, or driveline systems
• ASE certifications, technical school training, or military maintenance training
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills

Benefits

Isuzu IVAP Apprenticeship Highlights

• Potential full-time employment with a participating Isuzu dealership
• Program designed specifically to support Transitioning Service Members and U.S. Military Veterans
• Participation in a U.S. Department of Labor and GI Bill®-approved Registered Apprenticeship program, where eligible
• Eligible Veterans may apply for and receive GI Bill® benefits during the apprenticeship, where eligible
• Access to tools, equipment, vehicles, and training needed to complete apprenticeship and certification requirements, as provided through the participating dealership and IVAP program structure
• Opportunity to apply military mechanical experience toward a civilian Isuzu Service Technician career
• Recruiting support, technical screening, dealership referral assistance, and apprenticeship process guidance

Hiring decisions, wages, employee benefits, employment offers, and employment conditions are determined by the participating Isuzu dealership. Applicants are applying for employment with a participating Isuzu dealership and not with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. or Educational Resource Systems, Inc.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Use of the term does not imply endorsement, affiliation, or approval by VA.