Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

The Equipment Operator II is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of multiple types of heavy mobile equipment (including, but not limited to, loaders, excavators, and dozers) to facilitate the extraction, transportation, and processing of raw materials. This role goes beyond simple operation; the Operator II is a cross-functional team member who maintains site infrastructure (roads and berms), performs critical preventative maintenance, and troubleshoots equipment malfunctions to maximize production uptime.

Operating under moderate supervision, this individual is expected to demonstrate advanced proficiency in material handling, ensure strict compliance with MSHA regulations, and assist in the training and mentoring Operators to maintain a high-performance, safety-first culture.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment to transport raw materials from the pit to the plant at maximum loading capacity.
• Adjust equipment settings and operational techniques using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maximize throughput and minimize cycle times.
• Coordinate equipment positioning and sequencing to support site supervisors in optimizing production flows.
• Ensure all cargo is properly loaded according to safety requirements, preventing spills and maintaining vehicle stability.
• Strictly adhere to all MSHA safety rules, as well as Martin Marietta's Guardian Angel programs.
• Maintain the integrity of the quarry by ensuring haul roads, berms, and loading areas meet safety standards and site specifications.
• Facilitate and maintain safe traffic flow throughout the site, communicating via CB radio or hand signals to coordinate movement with co-workers and customer trucks.
• Proactively identify and report site hazards, such as unstable highwalls, loose material, or electrical risks.
• Conduct thorough daily inspections of vehicle systems, hydraulic lines, tires, and safety accessories, documenting findings in official logs.
• Perform daily preventative maintenance (PMs), including greasing moving parts and checking oil, diesel, and coolant levels.
• Use mechanical aptitude to diagnose equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs; promptly report significant mechanical failures to the maintenance shop.
• Assist the maintenance team with plant repairs and clean-up, including the replacement of idlers, pulleys, and bearings during shutdowns.
• Aid in the training of co-workers and junior operators on safe operation techniques, site protocols, and equipment maintenance.
• Provide operational support across various areas of the plant.
• Maintain professional and effective communication with Plant Operators, Supervisors, and external customers to ensure a cohesive work environment.

Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Technical training and vocational certification is preferred

Work Experience:

1+ years of relevant experience operating Heavy Equipment in an Aggregate, Construction, or Mining environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Safety focused

MSHA compliance and regulations

Regulatory compliance

Effective communication (written and spoken)

Time management

Additional Details:

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.

Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.

Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions:

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

Disclaimers:

In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.

The hiring range for this position is $30 -$40 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.

In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.

Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications. At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.

In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical
• Prescription Drug
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• 401(k) with Company matching
• Pension
• Salary Continuation Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability Options
• Employee Life Insurance
• Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Direct Deposit Payroll
• Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
• College Scholarship Program for dependent children
• Matching Gift Program
• New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.