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Solar Excavator Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules ... operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers ...

Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules ... operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers ...

Solar Excavator Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do solar excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar excavator operator in Riverside, CA is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $29.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solar Excavator Operator vs Solar Crane Operator?

AspectSolar Excavator OperatorSolar Crane Operator
CertificationsEquipment operation licenses, safety trainingCrane operation licenses, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renewable energy projectsConstruction sites, large-scale solar farms
Industry UsageSolar farm installation, excavation workSolar panel installation, heavy lifting

Both roles require specialized certifications and work in similar environments within the renewable energy industry. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: Solar Excavator Operators handle excavators for site prep, while Solar Crane Operators manage cranes for installing large solar components. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in solar project construction.

What are some common challenges faced by Solar Excavator Operators on renewable energy projects?

Solar Excavator Operators often work on large, open sites where weather conditions and terrain can vary significantly, posing challenges for equipment stability and site access. Coordinating with multiple teams—such as surveyors, electricians, and site managers—is crucial to ensure trenches and foundations are excavated accurately and safely. Operators must also remain attentive to underground utilities and follow strict safety protocols to prevent damage and ensure project timelines are met. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication with colleagues is key to overcoming these challenges in a dynamic work environment.

What are Solar Excavator Operators?

Solar Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery, specifically excavators, on solar farm construction sites. Their primary role is to dig trenches, move earth, and prepare land for the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. They must follow safety protocols, read site plans, and coordinate with other construction workers to ensure the project progresses smoothly. Solar Excavator Operators play a key role in the efficient and safe development of solar energy projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Excavator Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy excavation equipment, a solid understanding of site safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS-guided machinery, hydraulic systems, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is often required. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are key soft skills that help operators work efficiently and safely on solar construction sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate site preparation, minimizing risk, and supporting the successful installation of solar infrastructure.
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Solar Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Solar Excavator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Excavator Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 93% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,762 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Substation Electrician III

Qcells

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 20 days ago


Qcells rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Title: Substation Electrician II I
Department: T&D/C
Location: Field-Based
Supervisor: Substation Foreman
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Full-Time
Work Status: Field-based, Travel Required
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN II I
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Qcells USA's complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.
SUMMARY
The Substation Electrician I I I is responsible for assisting in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical substation systems and equipment. This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and other equipment while adhering to safety standards. The Electrician I I I will also handle and install products in ditches, including direct bury wire, steel pipes, and other materials in locations where equipment cannot access . The role is designated as safety-sensitive, requiring a high degree of focus and safety compliance when working with energized systems and hazardous equipment. You will work closely with the Substation Foreman an d assi st with several key tasks on-site whil e maintaini ng safety standards and effective communication within the team.
This position involves frequent physical activity and requires full-time on-site presence and 100% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
    • Observe, comply with, and promote the company's safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
    • Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.
    • Engage with the work team to ensure zero injuries and report all safety hazards, accidents, or near misses.

  • Installation and Maintenance:
    • Assist with the installation and maintenance of HV and LV equipment within substations. Examples:
      • Breakers
      • Switches
      • Bus
      • Transformers
      • Cap Banks
    • Improve skills of r ead ing and interpret ing schematic diagrams and construction drawings.

  • Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
    • Operate various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, trenchers, excavators, skid steers, and bulldozers.
    • Assist in excavation, backfilling, and site preparation for substations.
    • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.

  • Job Site Management and Communication:
    • Maintain cleanliness of the job site and equipment.
    • Report deficiencies or issues to supervisory staff promptly.
    • Work effectively with other crew members to ensure smooth operations on-site.
    • Follow all safety procedures when working around energized equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Ability to operate various types of heavy equipment (backhoe, trencher, excavator, bulldozer, skid steer).
  • Familiarity with substation equipment and materials.
  • Strong understanding of safety procedures, particularly around energized high voltage systems.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and around hazardous equipment.
  • Basic ability to read blueprints or willingness to learn.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Diploma/certificate from High School, GED, or Line School.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • 7 years of recent electrician experience as a Substation helper or equivalent .
  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
  • Preferred experience in electrical substations or related field.
  • Safety certifications (e.g., flagger training, OSHA certifications) are a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
  • Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
  • Travel is required up to 95% of the time to different job sites.
  • Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.

CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE
  • Predominately outdoor climate
  • May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
  • Excessive humidity, rain, etc.
  • Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, etc.
  • Potential exposure to chemical substances
  • Work performed around hazardous equipment.

EXAMPLES OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE
  • Uneven ground level
  • Obstructed pathways
  • Work performed at low and/or high elevations
  • Work performed in confined areas

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected] .
Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.
I hereby, accept and acknowledge this job description as my own and am committing to these responsibilities and required qualifications.
Employee Signature Date
This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.

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