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Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

LB3 Enterprises

Heavy Equipment Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Overview LB3 Enterprises is the premier mass excavation contractor in southern California ... Job Summary Our heavy equipment operators are some of the best in our industry and they work on ...

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 ...

Waste Connections Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Walnut, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Walnut Landfill, you'll play a key role in maintaining a safe and efficient operation. Your responsibilities will include: * Operating heavy equipment such as ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Redlands, CA · On-site

$31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill processes trash by compacting and pushing the waste with a dozer, at the landfills. Places soil cover over the trash with other heavy equipment ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill processes trash by compacting and pushing the waste with a dozer, at the landfills. Places soil cover over the trash with other heavy equipment ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Redlands, CA · On-site

$31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill processes trash by compacting and pushing the waste with a dozer, at the landfills. Places soil cover over the trash with other heavy equipment ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill processes trash by compacting and pushing the waste with a dozer, at the landfills. Places soil cover over the trash with other heavy equipment ...

BrightView Landscapes

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers, backhoes, loaders, and other pieces of equipment. The Equipment Operator must also clean, maintain and ...

BrightView

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers, backhoes, loaders, and other pieces of equipment. The Equipment Operator must also clean, maintain and ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • PTO

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

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • PTO

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 ...

Herzog

Equipment Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$43.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Overview Herzog Contracting Corp. is seeking an experienced heavy Equipment Operator in Rancho ... May work as a member of a crew or independently. * May work under the direction of a Railroad Track ...

Herzog

Equipment Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$43.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Overview Herzog Contracting Corp. is seeking an experienced heavy Equipment Operator in Rancho ... May work as a member of a crew or independently. * May work under the direction of a Railroad Track ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

They work independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function ... 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

They work independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function ... Operates various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator JobsIndependent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$24

$35

How much do independent contractor heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor heavy equipment operator 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 an independent contractor heavy equipment operator?

An Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator is a skilled professional who operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, or cranes on a contract basis rather than as a full-time employee. They are typically hired by construction companies, mining operations, or landscaping firms to complete specific projects and are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and equipment maintenance. These operators must have expertise in safely handling heavy machinery, following project specifications, and adhering to safety regulations. As independent contractors, they often have the flexibility to choose their clients and set their own schedules.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator vs Equipment Rental Operator?

AspectIndependent Contractor Heavy Equipment OperatorEquipment Rental Operator
CredentialsTypically requires heavy equipment operation certifications and licensesMay require equipment operation knowledge but less formal certification
Work EnvironmentOn-site construction, excavation, or infrastructure projectsEquipment rental facilities, sales, or on-site with rental equipment
Employer/Industry UsageWorks independently or as a subcontractor in construction and infrastructureWorks for rental companies or customers renting equipment
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding independent, self-employed equipment operatorsLearning about equipment rental and operation roles

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operators work independently on construction sites, often with certifications, while Equipment Rental Operators typically work for rental companies, focusing on managing and operating equipment for clients. Both roles involve equipment operation but differ in employment structure and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator, you need comprehensive knowledge of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and applicable licenses or certifications such as a CDL or operator card. Familiarity with equipment like excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and GPS or telematics systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and self-management skills distinguish top operators, especially when working independently. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable project completion, which is crucial for client satisfaction and contractor reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor heavy equipment operators, and how can they be addressed?

Independent contractor heavy equipment operators often navigate challenges such as managing their own schedules, maintaining and transporting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Unlike full-time employees, independent contractors are responsible for securing their own projects and handling administrative tasks like invoicing and insurance. Building strong relationships with general contractors and staying up-to-date with certifications can help operators secure consistent work and meet industry standards. Regular equipment maintenance and networking within the construction community are also key to long-term success.
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 Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:
Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you

Heavy Equipment Operator

LB3 Enterprises

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days 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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