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Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem Jobs in Riverside, CA

LB3 Enterprises

Heavy Equipment Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

Job Summary Our heavy equipment operators are some of the best in our industry and they work on many of the largest mass excavation projects from San Diego to LA. They operate excavators, scrapers ...

Boudreau Pipeline

Heavy Equipment Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$38 - $56/hr

Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in road, site or highway construction ... Signals operators of construction equipment to facilitate alignment, movement, and materials with ...

BrightView Landscapes

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ... per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave ...

BrightView

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ... per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

We provide on the job training that could lead into our heavy equipment operator role for those looking to learn and grow with our company. Equipment in yard includes: Front Loader Motor-Grader ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

We provide on the job training that could lead into our heavy equipment operator role for those looking to learn and grow with our company. Equipment in yard includes: Front Loader Motor-Grader ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Per Diem JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Per Diem Jobs in Riverside, CA

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$24

$35

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator per diem in Riverside, CA is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $28.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy equipment operator per diem?

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs involve operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, or loaders on a temporary or as-needed basis, often for construction, mining, or industrial projects. The term 'per diem' refers to daily allowances or payments to cover expenses like meals and lodging when working away from home. These roles typically require specialized training and certifications, and offer flexibility for workers who prefer short-term or travel-based assignments. Per diem positions can be attractive due to higher pay rates and additional benefits compared to standard, full-time roles.

How can I get a job as a heavy equipment operator per diem?

To get a heavy equipment operator per diem job, you need to be licensed to handle large machinery. Licensing requirements vary by state and depend on the type of equipment that you operate. For example, heavy box trucks require the driver to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are no formal education requirements for this position, though most have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You may take training courses through a vocational school or acquire an apprenticeship with a construction contractor or trade union. Some start their careers with an entry-level position at a job site and shadow heavy equipment operators to learn how to maneuver large machines and work their way up to per diem jobs.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating various types of heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with appropriate state or OSHA certification. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and safety management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to the successful completion of projects on schedule.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy equipment operators working on per diem assignments?

Heavy Equipment Operators on per diem assignments often need to quickly adapt to new work sites, varying equipment, and different team dynamics. The temporary nature of these roles may require frequent travel, adjusting to different safety protocols, and rapidly learning site-specific procedures. Building strong communication skills is essential for collaborating effectively with site supervisors and other crew members, especially when joining a new team for a short duration. Staying updated on equipment certifications and maintaining flexibility helps ensure success in these dynamic work environments.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator Per DiemHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certifications, CDL often preferredOSHA certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gasProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gas
Employment TypePer diem, temporary, often travel-basedFull-time, permanent or temporary
UsageTraveling jobs with daily per diem paySteady employment at specific sites

While both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial sites, Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem typically involves traveling to various project locations with daily allowances, whereas Heavy Equipment Operator often refers to a permanent or steady position at a single site.

Which heavy equipment operator per diem job pays the most?

The highest-paying heavy equipment operator per diem jobs are typically in industries like oil and gas, construction, or mining, where specialized skills such as operating large machinery and working in remote locations are required. These positions often offer higher daily rates due to the demanding environment and the need for certifications like OSHA or NCCER. Rates can vary based on experience, location, and project duration, with some roles paying over $300 per day.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,464 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

LB3 Enterprises

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

Company Overview
LB3 Enterprises is the premier mass excavation contractor in southern California, thanks to years of experience, innovation, and a people-first approach.
Job Summary
Our heavy equipment operators are some of the best in our industry and they work on many of the largest mass excavation projects from San Diego to LA. They operate excavators, scrapers, dozers, and many more machines on housing developments, landfills, and aggregate projects. We take on the biggest, most complex mass excavation projects around, so we expect a lot from our operators. At the same time, we support them like no other company and offer training to continuously improve their skills.
You're Good At
  • Operating a variety of heavy equipment with experience on dozers, excavators, graders, haul trucks, scrapers, and more
  • Being a team-player and bringing your great attitude to work everyday
  • Enjoying hard work that is rewarding
  • Being eager to improve your skills and grow as an individual
  • Living a drug-free life

We're Good At
  • Providing our operators with a fleet of the latest equipment
  • Working on the biggest earthmoving projects in town during the day
  • Getting our employees home for dinner at night
  • Investing in our people and training them to become even better at what they do
  • Providing a career path to management for qualified employees
  • Building a team of positive people who love what they do. No monotonous 9 - 5 jobs here!

Benefits and Perks
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Retirement savings - 401k with employer match
  • Paid time off for qualified employees
  • Modern equipment and the latest technology in the industry

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