Cass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Lead Excavator/Backhoe Operators ... Must be experienced in deep sewer mainline sloped trench excavating, OR experienced in dry utility ...
Quick apply
Cass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Lead Excavator/Backhoe Operators ... Must be experienced in deep sewer mainline sloped trench excavating, OR experienced in dry utility ...
CA · On-site
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western ... Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt ...
Quick apply
CA · On-site
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western ... Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt ...
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$40 - $45/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western ... Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt ...
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$40 - $45/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western ... Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt ...
Construction Equipment Operator
Irvine, CA · On-site
$65 - $85/hr
Excavate and backfill mainline trench and support pipeline install as needed. * Communicate ... Qualifications: * 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in underground utility ...
Construction Equipment Operator
Irvine, CA · On-site
$65 - $85/hr
Excavate and backfill mainline trench and support pipeline install as needed. * Communicate ... Qualifications: * 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in underground utility ...
Foreman
Corona, CA · On-site
$45 - $61/hr
... excavation, pipe installation, backfill, grading, and related underground utility work. This role ... The Mainline Foreman directs equipment operators, pipelayers, and laborers, coordinates workflow ...
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Foreman
Corona, CA · On-site
$45 - $61/hr
... excavation, pipe installation, backfill, grading, and related underground utility work. This role ... The Mainline Foreman directs equipment operators, pipelayers, and laborers, coordinates workflow ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
Pacoima, CA · On-site
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
Pacoima, CA · On-site
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
Pacoima, CA · On-site
$19.57 - $27.81/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Quick apply
Irrigation Tech Lead
Pacoima, CA · On-site
$19.57 - $27.81/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Irrigation Tech Lead
$20 - $23.69/hr
... operated valves and lateral lines that feed the sprinkler heads and nozzles. This position is also ... the water mainline and lateral lines, repairs or replaces valves and performs excavation, as ...
Mainline Excavator Operator information
See California salary details
$13.52 - $16.02
1% of jobs
$16.02 - $18.53
5% of jobs
$18.53 - $21.03
16% of jobs
$21.26 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$21.03 - $23.53
24% of jobs
The median wage is $23.92 / hr.
$23.53 - $26.03
21% of jobs
$27.28 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.03 - $28.53
15% of jobs
$28.53 - $31.04
7% of jobs
$31.04 - $33.54
5% of jobs
$33.54 - $36.04
3% of jobs
$36.04 - $38.54
1% of jobs
$38.54 - $41.04
1% of jobs
$13
$25
$41
How much do mainline excavator operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainline excavator operator in California is $25.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a mainline excavator operator?
A Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment, specifically excavators, to dig trenches or prepare sites for underground utilities such as water, gas, or sewer lines. They work primarily on large-scale infrastructure projects and must follow safety regulations, interpret blueprints, and coordinate with other crew members. Precision and efficiency are critical, as improper digging can lead to costly errors or hazards. This role requires experience with various soil types, excavation techniques, and machine maintenance.
What are the typical daily responsibilities of a mainline excavator operator?
Mainline Excavator Operators are primarily responsible for operating heavy excavation equipment to dig trenches, lay pipelines, and perform earthmoving tasks according to project specifications. Each day often involves inspecting and maintaining equipment, reading site plans, adhering to safety protocols, and coordinating with site supervisors and crew members. Operators may be required to adapt to changing site conditions and ensure that excavation work is completed on schedule. Collaboration with other operators, laborers, and utility crews is essential to achieve seamless and safe project execution.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainline excavator operator?
Mainline Excavator Operators should possess strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and a solid understanding of excavation and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, advanced hydraulic controls, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set outstanding operators apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise work when handling complex excavation projects and working alongside construction teams.
How much do they pay a mainline excavator operator?
Mainline excavator operators typically earn an average salary ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in large-scale infrastructure projects may earn higher wages and benefits. Compensation often includes overtime pay and sometimes per diem for travel or remote work environments.
What are popular job titles related to Mainline Excavator Operator jobs in California?
For Mainline Excavator Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainline Excavator Operator jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Mainline Excavator Operator jobs in California are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement
Re-posted 28 days ago
Job description
Cass Arrieta is a General Engineering Contractor specializing in wet utilities, dry utilities, structural concrete, and associated scopes of work within the public and private markets. With a combined total of more than $750 million of pipeline and structural concrete work completed to date, Cass Arrieta specializes in water-sewer-storm drain pipelines, dry utilities, pump stations, pipeline assessment, water and waste-water facilities, water reservoirs, emergency work, and slope reconstruction. There are numerous General Engineering Contractors in Southern California but we separate ourselves with superior service, quality of work, and integrity.
With projects spanning across Southern California, the career opportunities at Cass Arrieta are always evolving.
As a company we believe our most important asset is our employees. We strive to provide industry leading benefits that provide them a secure and better future.
We can provide the security and benefits of a large corporation yet still embrace our family owned culture.
Job DescriptionCass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Lead Excavator/Backhoe Operators. Must be experienced in deep sewer mainline sloped trench excavating, OR experienced in dry utility joint trench mainline excavating.
Minimum 3 years experience, please do not apply if you do not have at least 3 or more years of experience.
We must be able to verify references, you will be tested on equipment prior to hiring.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Submit resumes or call for application
Job locations will be located throughout the Inland Empire
Job Type: Full-time
Competitive Wages based on experience
COVID-19 considerations:
To keep everyone safe masks are required at all times.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Construction Experience: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location:
- Multiple locations throughout the Inland Empire
Work Remotely:
- No
COVID-19 Precaution(s):
- Social distancing guidelines in place
- Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
EOE/Disabilities/Veterans