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Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AtWork

Heavy Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Put your skills to great use with a company that can truly appreciate you and a place where you can grow! AtWork is now hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators in the ...

Tasman Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Operate Safely. Support Field Operations. Build with Precision. Pay: $24 ... Support site operations and assist field crews as needed Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

Sletten Excavating

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Center, ND · On-site

$27 - $30/hr (+ commission)

Heavy Equipment Operator Sletten Excavating Location: Center, North Dakota Pay: $27.00-$30.00 per ... Follow project plans, job-site instructions, and company safety procedures. * Assist with general ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

Reno, NV

$36.63/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.63/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

ABCI

Heavy Equipment Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - ABCI ABCI, a local mid-sized civil construction company, is seeking a full-time, experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The Heavy Equipment Operator is ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

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Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator information

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant heavy equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant heavy equipment operator?

Assistant Heavy Equipment Operators are professionals who support primary heavy equipment operators in operating and maintaining machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes on construction sites. They help with equipment inspections, basic maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Their role can include assisting with machine operation under supervision, preparing worksites, and handling tools and materials. This position is often a starting point for individuals seeking to become full-fledged heavy equipment operators in the construction industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator, you need a basic understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety regulations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and site-specific safety systems is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication help you follow instructions and maintain a safe work environment. These skills are vital to ensure operational efficiency, minimize accidents, and support successful project completion.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant heavy equipment operators on a construction site?

Assistant Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying site conditions, working around tight schedules, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They may need to quickly learn to operate multiple types of equipment and assist in routine maintenance tasks. Collaborating effectively with lead operators, site supervisors, and other crew members is essential to keep operations running smoothly and to prevent accidents or delays.

What is the difference between Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectAssistant Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsMay require OSHA safety training, basic certificationRequires valid heavy equipment operator certification/license
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial projectsConstruction, mining, landscaping, infrastructure projects
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with equipment operation, perform support tasksOperate heavy machinery independently, perform complex tasks

The main difference is that Assistant Heavy Equipment Operators support and assist with equipment operation, often requiring less certification, while Heavy Equipment Operators operate machinery independently and have more advanced certifications. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial projects, but the Heavy Equipment Operator has greater responsibility and autonomy.

How to get an assistant heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

To become an assistant heavy equipment operator with no experience, focus on gaining basic knowledge of machinery and safety procedures through entry-level training programs or certifications like OSHA. Volunteering or working as a laborer on construction sites can provide hands-on exposure, and demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can help you secure an entry-level position in the field.

Which assistant heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying assistant heavy equipment operator jobs are typically found in industries like construction, mining, and oil and gas, especially in regions with high demand for infrastructure projects. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of equipment operated, with some roles offering higher pay for specialized skills or overtime work.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator jobs include:

Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you

Heavy Equipment Operator

Coastal Waste and Recycling, Inc.

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Coastal Waste & Recycling rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description

About Coastal Waste & Recycling
At Coastal Waste & Recycling, we're building more than a company, we're building a team. As one of the fastest-growing privately held waste and recycling companies in the Southeast, we're looking for people who take pride in their work, put safety first, and are ready to grow with us.
Operate Heavy Equipment. Build Safer Operations.
Do you enjoy operating heavy equipment in a fast-paced environment where safety, teamwork, and efficiency matter? As a Heavy Equipment Operator at Coastal Waste & Recycling, you'll play a critical role in keeping our post-collection operations running safely and efficiently while helping protect the environment and serve our communities.
At Coastal, our Heavy Equipment Operators do more than move material-they help keep our facilities operating safely, maintain equipment, and support the teams that keep our business moving.
Your Role
As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you'll safely operate yellow iron heavy equipment to move, load, sort, and transport materials throughout our transfer stations, recycling facilities, landfills, and other post-collection operations. You'll perform equipment inspections, maintain a safe work environment, and partner with your teammates to maximize productivity while ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards.
What You'll Do
  • Safely operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, material handlers, compactors, and other equipment as assigned.
  • Move, load, transport, and organize waste and recyclable materials while maximizing operational efficiency.
  • Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections to ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
  • Identify equipment concerns and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
  • Perform basic preventive maintenance and routine equipment care.
  • Follow traffic patterns, operational procedures, and site-specific work instructions.
  • Work closely with teammates, spotters, and supervisors to safely coordinate equipment movement throughout the facility.
  • Maintain accurate equipment inspection reports and other required documentation.
  • Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
  • Assist with general site operations and other duties as needed to support business needs.
  • Reinforce company safety policies while maintaining compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company standards.
  • At Coastal, we win as a team. Our Heavy Equipment Operators work safely, communicate effectively, support one another, and do whatever is necessary to keep our operations running efficiently.

What You'll Bring
  • One (1) or more years of experience operating heavy equipment in waste and recycling, construction, mining, aggregates, utilities, landscaping, agriculture, or another industrial environment.
  • Experience operating loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, or similar heavy equipment.
  • Strong understanding of equipment safety, preventive maintenance, and daily inspections.
  • Commitment to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.
  • Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with teammates and leadership.
  • Strong work ethic with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Waste industry experience, bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole), and experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment are a plus.

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Career Growth & Equipment Training Opportunities
  • Opportunity to operate a variety of heavy equipment
  • Collaborative team environment where safety comes first
  • Opportunity to build your career with one of the fastest-growing environmental services companies in the Southeast

If you're someone who takes pride in operating equipment safely, enjoys working outdoors, and wants to make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to have you join the Coastal Waste & Recycling team.
Coastal Waste & Recycling is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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