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Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office. The starting wage range for this ... federal contracting requirements 6. Working on or near expensive equipment and materials 7. ...

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating various types of forklifts and heavy ... Ability to effectively plan and organize work activities independent of direct supervision; work ...

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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:

Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Waste Management

Corona, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 29 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Are you looking for stable work as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic at WM - and more. 

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic:

  • Stable hours for your financial stability
  • Pay Range $40/hr 
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic with WM:

  • Monday - Friday 
  • Shift 5:00am - 1:30pm 
  • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.
  • The normal setting for this job is our material waste disposal site in Corona, CA.

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our waste disposal facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic, you'll be responsible for the service and repair of heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this equipment is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment mechanics take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination. 

Our waste disposal sites operate a rigorous cleaning schedule to protect the working environment for all our waste disposal employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Repair equipment including, but not limited to, bulldozers, scrapers, backhoes, front end loaders, yard trucks, farm tractors, forklifts, and company cars.
  • Diagnose and repair differentials, hydraulic systems, motors, transmissions, drives, air conditioning systems, and electrical systems.
  • Preventative maintenance as set out by the site checklist.
  • Paperwork and admin tasks such as work orders, card files, P.M. checklists, and oil samples.
  • Service and maintains other equipment such as light plants, water pump, welders, and other equipment.

What do you need to be considered for the role of an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic?

  • 2 years of maintenance mechanic experience on heavy equipment 
  • A valid driver's license, with a clean driving record
  • Be over 18 years of age.
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.
  • Take accountability for the quality and standard of their work.
  • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues.
  • Curious and determined fixers.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to exert physical effort that will include but is not limited to frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, and climbing; Constantly standing, walking, and grasping; Occasionally: sitting and balancing 
  • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) often.
  • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements often. 
  • This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.

If this sounds like what you've been looking for, then click 'Apply now' to start your tomorrow, today. 

The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $40/hr . This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

Wrench with the best! Our technicians are trained to provide superior maintenance on diesel equipment. We care about our technician's safety and show it by demanding solid safety practices of all our technicians and managers. Pride, safety, training, growth, opportunity, great benefits, rewards - check us out, we may be the company for you!

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