1

Construction Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$62K - $80K/yr

Sollers Construction LLC is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team in Morenci, AZ. As a Heavy Equipment Operator with us, you will have the chance to work on a variety of ...

Showing results 21-40

Construction Heavy Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$14

$23

$33

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction 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 a construction heavy equipment operator?

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators are skilled professionals who operate large machinery used on construction sites, such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders. Their primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently move earth, materials, and equipment to assist in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. They must be knowledgeable about the operation and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment, as well as safety protocols and site procedures. Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and are essential for completing construction projects on time and within specifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a construction heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as a Construction Heavy Equipment Operator, you need technical proficiency in operating machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, typically backed by a high school diploma or GED and relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with equipment maintenance procedures, GPS or grade control systems, and OSHA safety standards is often required. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring project efficiency, and minimizing costly errors on construction sites.

What challenges do construction heavy equipment operators face on a typical project site?

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other workers and trades to maintain site safety and productivity. They must also stay vigilant about equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, as breakdowns can delay project timelines. Effective communication and adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations on busy construction sites.

What is the difference between Construction Heavy Equipment Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectConstruction Heavy Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation licenses, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoors, large machineryConstruction sites, elevated work areas, cranes
Industry UsageGeneral construction, infrastructure projectsHigh-rise buildings, bridges, large-scale infrastructure

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators both work on construction sites and require safety certifications. While heavy equipment operators handle machinery like bulldozers and loaders, crane operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy materials. Both roles are essential in construction projects, but they focus on different types of equipment and tasks.

More about Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Construction Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

For Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Construction Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Highway Construction Heavy Equipment Operator

Norcross, GA โ€ข On-site

CMES, Inc.
Constructionย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate a variety of trucks and construction equipment to load, haul, and unload materials, equipment, and supplies.

  • Assist the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting materials, and performing related tasks with equipment such as backhoes and loaders.

  • Perform routine inspection, preventive maintenance, and cleaning of assigned equipment, and assist in installing and maintaining traffic control devices.


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Welcome to CMES INC, a leading player in the heavy highway construction industry. With a rich history spanning over 25 years, we have firmly established ourselves as a reputable and innovative force in the field of infrastructure development. At CMES INC, we take immense pride in our commitment to building and maintaining the critical transportation networks that keep communities connected and businesses thriving.
JOB DESCRIPTION

 Summary/Objective
The heavy equipment operator shall possess skills to operate a variety of contractor equipment and trucks used in construction, maintenance and repair activities and performs a variety of semiskilled tasks in the maintenance of light, street, and storm drainage systems.
 
Heavy Equipment Operator Level I Essential Functions
1.       Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies. 
2.       Must be competent in safety, understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3.       Basic operational techniques of trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, man-lift, dump truck,                        hydraulic excavators, skid steers.
4.       Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems. 
5.       Shoot grades.
6.       Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a              backhoe, road grater or front-end loader. 
7.       Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor;                        cleans equipment. 
8.       Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices. 
9.       Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. 
 
Preferred Education and Experience for Level I Operator
·         1-3 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience 
 
Heavy Equipment Operator Level II Essential Functions
1.       Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies. 
2.       Must be competent in safety, understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3.       Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, backhoe, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-end loader, hydraulic excavators, skid steers, scrapers, and dozer.
4.       Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems. 
5.       Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, and front-end loader. 
6.       Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment. 
7.       Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices. 
8.       Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. 
9.       GPS
10.   Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
11.   Identify soil classification.
Preferred Education and Experience for Level II Operator
  • 3 - 6 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience. 
Heavy Equipment Operator Level III Essential Functions

1.       Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies. 
2.       Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-end loader,               hydraulic excavators, dozers, excavators, Motor graders, Backhoes, skid steers and inductor truck. 
3.       Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems. 
4.       Shoot grades.
5.       Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a              backhoe, and front-end loader. 
6.       Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor;                        cleans equipment. 
7.       Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices. 
8.       Plows snow and salts roads according to departmental policy. 
9.       Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. 
10.   Finishing and grading functions 
11.   GPS
12.   Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
13.   Interpret Civil Drawings
14.   Identify soil classifications.
 
Preferred Education and Experience for Level III Operator
  • 3 - 6 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience
 
Heavy Equipment Operator Level IV Essential Functions
1.       Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies. Non            CDL
2.       Must be competent in safety understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3.       Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, backhoe, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-                end loader, hydraulic excavators, skid steers, motor graders, excavators, dozers.
4.       Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems. 
5.       Shoot grades.
6.       Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a              backhoe, road grater or front-end loader. 
7.       Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor;                        cleans equipment. 
8.       Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices. 
9.       Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. 
10.   Finishing and grading 
11.   Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
12.   GPS
13.   Interpret Civil Drawings
14.   Identify soil classifications.
 
Preferred Education and Experience for Level IV Operator
  • 10 - 15 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience
Competencies
1.       Technical Capacity.
2.       Time Management.
3.       Thoroughness.
4.       Customer/Client Focus.
5.       Good communication skills
6.       Attention to detail.
 
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervision responsibilities.  
 
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 
 
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, and smell. 
The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Travel
Local travel to various worksites is required. 
 
Required Education and Experience
1.       Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
2.       Four years’ experience involving the use of medium and heavy equipment, two of which must have been related to utility or street                      systems.
 
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
1.       Valid CDL License.
Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Career advancement potential
  • A positive and inclusive work environment

At CMES INC, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth, diversity, and innovation. If you are ready to be part of a team that makes a meaningful impact on infrastructure development, we invite you to join us in our mission to build a better tomorrow through heavy highway construction.
EEOC Statement
CMES, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer M/F/V/H/AA. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  CMES, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, and without regard to any other characteristic, protected by applicable law, all in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. CMES, Inc. complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.  This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, classification, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, job training, and other aspects of employment.