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Automated Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... of operator, other workers, equipment and the public. Drives single, tandem, and tri-axle dump ... Drives rear-loading and semi-automated sanitation trucks to collect solid waste along an assigned ...

Equipment Operator

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Operating forklifts, front-end-loaders, street sweeper, automated feed system, and other equipment. * Perform equipment inspections. * Monitor vehicle activity on the tipping floor. * Take ...

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Operating forklifts, front-end-loaders, street sweeper, automated feed system, and other equipment. * Perform equipment inspections. * Monitor vehicle activity on the tipping floor. * Take ...

New

About the Position The Solid Waste Equipment Operator II position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of an Automated Side-load (ASL), Commercial Front Load (FL), and Commercial ...

Equipment Operator

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Successful technicians usually have backgrounds in repairing integrated equipment such as HVAC, Automotive or Diesel, or other automated electro-mechanical systems. We provide all training necessary ...

Equipment Operator

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Successful technicians usually have backgrounds in repairing integrated equipment such as HVAC, Automotive or Diesel, or other automated electro-mechanical systems. We provide all training necessary ...

Equipment Operator

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Successful technicians usually have backgrounds in repairing integrated equipment such as HVAC, Automotive or Diesel, or other automated electro-mechanical systems. We provide all training necessary ...

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Automated Equipment Operator information

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How much do automated equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for automated equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automated Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automated Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment operation, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and work efficiently with team members. These skills are vital to ensure smooth production processes, minimize downtime, and maintain workplace safety.

What are some common challenges Automated Equipment Operators face when working with new machinery, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Automated Equipment Operators often encounter challenges when adapting to newly installed or upgraded machinery, such as learning new control interfaces, troubleshooting unfamiliar error codes, and understanding updated safety protocols. To overcome these hurdles, operators benefit from thorough on-the-job training, actively participating in equipment demonstrations, and collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying proactive in seeking clarification, referencing equipment manuals, and attending periodic refresher courses can also help ensure a smooth transition and minimize downtime.

What are Automated Equipment Operators?

Automated Equipment Operators are professionals who manage and oversee machinery and systems that run automatically in manufacturing, warehouses, or other industrial environments. They are responsible for starting, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated equipment to ensure efficient and safe operations. This role often involves working with computerized controls, performing routine inspections, and making minor repairs or adjustments as needed. Operators may also record data and collaborate with maintenance teams to resolve more complex technical issues.

What is the difference between Automated Equipment Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectAutomated Equipment OperatorForklift Operator
CredentialsCertification often required, such as OSHA forklift or machinery operation licensesForklift certification required, often OSHA-compliant
Work EnvironmentOperate or monitor automated machinery in warehouses, factories, or distribution centersOperate forklifts in warehouses, construction sites, or manufacturing plants
Industry UsageCommon in automated warehouses, manufacturing, logisticsCommon in warehousing, shipping, construction

Both roles involve operating equipment in industrial settings, but Automated Equipment Operators focus on managing automated or semi-automated machinery, while Forklift Operators handle manual operation of forklifts. The skills and certifications overlap, but the work environments and equipment types differ.

More about Automated Equipment Operator jobs
What states have the most Automated Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Automated Equipment Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automated Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 31% Full Time, 66% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

$17.68 - $29.62/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Dekalb County (Georgia) rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 639 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Positions available in multiple departments - APPLY TODAY!

Grade: 8     Salary Range:  $17.68 - $29.62/hour depending on experience     FLSA:   Non-Exempt   

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to drive or operate heavy trucks, tractors, and other medium-sized equipment where driving and maneuvering the vehicle constitutes the majority of the work required to complete tasks for various maintenance, upkeep, and/or construction projects; equipment in this classification does not involve the operation of additional mechanisms other than those that are moderately simple and routine.

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County's Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates various equipment and vehicles to complete tasks related to the maintenance, upkeep, installation, and construction of County grounds, property, utilities, rights-of-way, and other infrastructure for departmental operations; drives vehicles over public roads, work sites, rights-of-way, parks, public works facilities, and other County property; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; and monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, equipment and the public.

Drives single, tandem, and tri-axle dump trucks or brush trucks in order to transport and haul materials between original and final destinations for use in maintenance and construction projects; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or dumping of materials; secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load; operates dumping mechanism to dump materials at appropriate locations; and operates truck and dumping mechanism simultaneously to spread materials along prescribed path to required specifications.

Drives rear-loading and semi-automated sanitation trucks to collect solid waste along an assigned route; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or dumping of materials; monitors and adjusts pace of vehicle and collection activities to ensure timely completion of route; operates mechanisms on truck to secure and collect waste; ensures that load is properly balanced, covered, and contained; and monitors activities of workers on the back of truck for safety.

Operates tractors and tractor-mounted mowing equipment to mow/maintain rights-of-way, parks, and other County property, including operation of side-arm, bush hogs, and rear-mounted mowers, but not exclusively small riding mowers; scouts path for and removes rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may cause damage to the equipment, property, or the public; and determines proper settings and adjusts mowing/raking equipment for desired height and trajectory.

Operates asphalt roller or compactor to flatten and compress dirt, gravel, asphalt, and other materials.

Utilizes asphalt patching truck to make repairs to existing streets and paved surfaces by filling potholes, cracks, and other deformities; drives truck to work location and positions vehicle to allow for optimum delivery of asphalt; utilizes dumping mechanisms to apply specified amount of hot asphalt to desired area; operates spraying mechanism to aim and distribute a fine stream of asphalt along cracks in the pavement; utilizes rakes, shovels, and other tools to manually spread and seal asphalt; and  marks newly repaired pavement as appropriate.

Drives special purpose trucks with mounted tanks to transport and distribute water, insecticide, oil, or other liquids for use in maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects; determines proper settings and adjusts spraying mechanisms to distribute desired amounts of liquids for both informal and controlled applications; operates flusher/water truck to rinse debris from streets and apply water to construction sites to reduce dust levels; operates spraying mechanism on mosquito truck to distribute insecticide; and operates asphalt distributor to apply oil along prescribed path for street construction prior to pavement of streets.

Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning route for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; and secures vehicle after use.

Transports, loads and unloads various materials and equipment used in projects.

Performs manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and upkeep projects; lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, furniture, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects and transports materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; and removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property.

Utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors the repair and maintenance of facilities, vehicles, and construction equipment; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks/equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including pre and post trip equipment inspection forms, trip tickets, maintenance records, list of parts in inventory, work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; and reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; and communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED preferred; one year of experience in heavy equipment operation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Class B Commercial Driver's License; some assignments may require a Georgia Class A Commercial Driver's License and/or special endorsements.

*Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a valid 12-month DOT Medical Blue Card as a condition of employment for some departments.

At DeKalb County Government, we enable career success by providing opportunities to thrive! Our culture is rooted in principles of collaboration, teamwork, and achievements. We foster a diversified and inclusive workforce, embracing a shared set of core values based on character, competitive spirit, relationships, and giving back to the communities where we live and work. This foundation is how we help turn jobs into careers.

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