1

Bulldozer Operator Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Hinton, WV · On-site

$19.92 - $24.95/hr

Summary Responsible for operating heavy equipment and other vehicles for the purpose of excavating ... This position will normally operate a bulldozer, compactor, or excavator in addition to water truck ...

Bulldozer Operator information

See West Virginia salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do bulldozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulldozer operator in West Virginia is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bulldozer operator?

Bulldozer Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery known as bulldozers to move earth, debris, and other materials on construction sites, mines, and other large projects. They are responsible for clearing and grading land, building roads, and preparing sites for construction. Bulldozer Operators must be knowledgeable about safety regulations, equipment maintenance, and reading site plans or blueprints. Their work is essential for ensuring that construction and infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What does a bulldozer operator do?

A bulldozer operator works on a construction site or other job site. In this career, your duties revolve around using a bulldozer to excavate, clear, or demolish. Your responsibilities could also include operating other heavy equipment such as a crane or tractor in support of a job or project. Regardless of the type of project, you need to know safety regulations and procedures for safe operation of heavy equipment. You also need to know how to be efficient with bulldoze clearing and digging tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bulldozer operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bulldozer Operator, you need solid mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant heavy equipment operator training or certification. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance procedures is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of machinery and contribute to the successful completion of construction or land-clearing projects.

What are some common challenges faced by bulldozer operators on construction sites?

Bulldozer Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating uneven terrain, maintaining precise control in tight spaces, and working in varying weather conditions. They must remain vigilant about safety regulations and coordinate closely with other crew members and site supervisors to ensure projects stay on schedule and hazards are minimized. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining efficient, safe operations.

What is the difference between Bulldozer Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBulldozer OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, certification in heavy equipment operationSimilar certifications, often requiring OSHA training and equipment-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road building, land clearingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, mining, land developmentConstruction, demolition, utility work

Both Bulldozer Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and heavy industry environments, often requiring similar certifications. Bulldozer Operators primarily handle land clearing and grading with bulldozers, while Excavator Operators focus on digging, trenching, and material handling with excavators. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for their skills and project needs.

How much can you make with a bulldozer operator?

A bulldozer operator's salary varies by experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in construction, mining, or infrastructure projects.

What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in West Virginia?

For Bulldozer Operator jobs in West Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in WV?

For Bulldozer Operator jobs in WV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Bulldozer Operator job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,418 per year, or $18 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator Dozer / Excavator

Sequoia Services

Bluefield, WV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

This full-time position is responsible for operating several types of construction equipment such as excavators and bulldozers, loaders, rollers to excavate, move, grade, and load material.

Skills/Qualifications:
2+ years of experience in construction, Job Knowledge, Ability to attain certifications as required, Fit for Duty

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Proficient in safe operation of CAT bulldozers (CAT D5-D8) and CAT excavators (CAT 320-349)
  • Experience with Construction GPS systems such as Trimble and TopCon is a plus
  • Operate excavators to safely and efficiently load on-road and off-road trucks
  • Operate bulldozer controls to regulate height and angle of the blade and lower ripper to loosen packed soil to permit grading
  • Feel levers and listen to equipment sounds to determine depth of the cut
  • Operate bulldozer in successive passes over construction surface to raise and lower terrain to specified grade, following markings on grade stakes, hand signals or GPS controls.
  • Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
  • Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; calling for repairs.
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in training opportunities.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
  • Prepares equipment by conducting operator inspections; performing preventive maintenance checks.
  • Prepares work by studying and clarifying instructions and diagrams; calculating requirements; gathering supplies.
  • Accomplishes work by operating equipment; observing varying conditions; adjusting equipment controls, ability to understand grade and apply it.
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, position or move loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
  • Accomplishes operations and organization mission by completing related results as needed.

Sequoia Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against applicants for employment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, or because he or she is a protected veteran.

We are a Drug Free Workplace Employer, and all employees in a safety sensitive position are subject to new-hire and random drug testing. We utilize the E-Verify program to electronically verify the employment eligibility of potential employees. Background checks are performed at the time of hire (criminal convictions are not an automatic ban from employment).