Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Heavy Equipment Operator – Main Office: (Stockton) (Serving Northern CA)

$30–$45/hour (BOE)

Johnson Plumbing has been family-owned and operated since 1962, and even as we've grown across Northern California. If you're an operator first — comfortable in the seat of a backhoe/excavator all day — and don't mind traveling between job sites in the region, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Operate a backhoe/excavator as your primary, day-to-day responsibility — digging, trenching, backfilling, and grading for underground plumbing and site utility work
• Operate a loader and skid steer as needed to move material, clear sites, and support the crew
• Read grade stakes, site plans, and job specs to dig and grade accurately and safely
• Inspect and maintain equipment daily — fluids, filters, greasing, and basic troubleshooting — and flag anything that needs a mechanic
• Work safely around trenches, utilities, and an active crew, following all job site and OSHA safety requirements
• Coordinate with the foreman and crew on sequencing, staging, and daily priorities
• Help with general plumbing/laborer tasks when not running equipment (a plus, not the main job)

What You Bring

• Proven experience operating a backhoe/excavator — this is a must
• Experience operating a loader and skid steer
• Ability to read grade stakes and basic site plans
• Plumbing or underground utility experience is a plus, but the priority is strong equipment operating skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work outdoors in all weather conditions
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Commitment to following all industry safety regulations
• Willingness to travel to job sites across the Northern CA markets

Why Johnson Plumbing

• Pay: $30–$45/hour based on experience
• Competitive pay with room to grow
• Health, dental, vision, and Aflac benefits
• Paid time off — sick, vacation, and holidays
• 401(k) options
• Eligibility for annual bonuses
• Access Perks Program benefits

Apply today and build your future with a team based in Stockton and building Northern California for over 60 years.