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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Vulcan Materials Company

Equipment Operator

Petaluma, CA

$40.89 - $47.31/hr

Job Summary This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy off-highway ... The Equipment Operator will prioritize safety, perform equipment inspections and minor maintenance ...

Vulcan Materials Company

Equipment Operator

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$40.89 - $47.31/hr

Job Summary This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy off-highway ... The Equipment Operator will prioritize safety, perform equipment inspections and minor maintenance ...

Peterson

Heavy Duty Repair Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$45/hr

... in heavy equipment service; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must be a member of Local 3 of the Operating Engineers or be willing to become one as a condition of ...

Anonymous Employer

Plant Operator

Middletown, CA

$40 - $50/hr

Power Plant Operators are responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power ... Operate heavy equipment (manlifts, forklifts) and handle/transfer bulk chemicals * **Process ...

Calpine

Operator Technician III

Middletown, CA · On-site

$66.16 - $67.48/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

Calpine

Operator Technician II

Middletown, CA · On-site

$58.94 - $60.71/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

Calpine

Operator Technician III

Middletown, CA · On-site

$66.16 - $67.48/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

Calpine

Operator Technician II

Middletown, CA · On-site

$58.94 - $60.71/hr

Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating ... Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and ...

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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do temporary heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary heavy equipment operator in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary heavy equipment operator?

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators are workers hired on a short-term basis to operate machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, or cranes at construction sites, municipal projects, or industrial facilities. Their main duties include moving earth, materials, or equipment, often to support construction or maintenance projects. They must follow safety protocols and may be responsible for basic maintenance of the equipment. Temporary positions are typically filled to meet seasonal demand, cover absences, or assist with special projects. While the role is temporary, it requires the same level of skill, training, and certification as a permanent operator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as a Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator, you need experience operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, or loaders, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid equipment operator's license. Familiarity with safety regulations, equipment maintenance procedures, and often OSHA or other relevant certifications is important. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities are essential to ensure equipment is used properly, minimize accidents, and support timely project completion.

What are the biggest challenges faced by temporary heavy equipment operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new job sites, equipment models, and safety protocols. Since assignments may be short-term, operators must efficiently learn site-specific procedures and build rapport with permanent staff to ensure smooth operations. Staying proactive about communication, reviewing safety guidelines for each new environment, and maintaining flexibility are key strategies for managing these transitions and performing effectively in temporary roles.

What is the difference between Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator vs Permanent Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectTemporary Heavy Equipment OperatorPermanent Heavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, short-term projectsLong-term construction, infrastructure, or mining sites
Employment DurationTemporary, project-basedFull-time, ongoing employment
Job StabilityLess stable, contract-basedMore stable, benefits included

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators work on short-term projects and often have contract-based employment, while Permanent Heavy Equipment Operators are employed full-time with ongoing benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial environments, but the employment duration and job stability differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,934 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Vulcan Materials Company

Petaluma, CA

$40.89 - $47.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Vulcan Materials rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary
This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy off-highway equipment used to transport raw materials and/or finished products within the facility. The Equipment Operator will prioritize safety, perform equipment inspections and minor maintenance, and monitor plant operations to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Essential Functions
Safely operate off-highway equipment to transport raw materials and/or finished products throughout the facility in a safe and efficient manner.
Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections and accurately completing daily mobile equipment reports and other relevant documentation.
Maintain equipment performance by checking vehicle fluid levels and adding correct fluids as necessary and assisting in performing other minor maintenance.
Monitor the plant and operations and report any necessary maintenance or adjustments that may be required to ensure safety.
Load and unload aggregate materials according to specifications and production demands.
Maintain accurate records of materials moved, equipment hours, and daily activities.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and MSHA regulations.
Critical Competencies
Safety Awareness - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
Equipment Operation-Proficiency in operating large loaders with ability to accurately and smoothly maneuver and complete various tasks, such as loading, dumping, and transporting materials. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.
Problem Solving - Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills. Finds practical solutions, implements fixes, and adapts to unexpected challenges.
Attention to Detail - Ability to thoroughly and accurately complete tasks; meticulous and precise when handling information, and is critical in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and integrity of the results.
Adaptability - Adapts to new conditions, is flexible and open-minded when facing challenges, and maintains high performance during change.
Teamwork and Collaboration - Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others to achieve common goals; contributes positively to group efforts, sharing knowledge, and being open to others' ideas and feedback.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Previous experience operating heavy construction equipment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of general principles and practices of operating and servicing heavy construction equipment is preferred.
Strong understanding of MSHA regulations and a commitment to safety.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment inspections and maintenance.
Good communication skills.
Other Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods of time while operating equipment.
Ability to ascend and descend equipment safely.
Ability to work in outdoor environments, including exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Hourly Range. The base hourly range for this role is between $40.89 - $47.31 per hour. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package.  When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.  
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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