1

Dozer Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer * Ability to read stakes and grades * Ability to read and understand ...

Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer * Ability to read stakes and grades * Ability to read and understand ...

Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer * Ability to read stakes and grades * Ability to read and understand ...

Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer * Ability to read stakes and grades * Ability to read and understand ...

Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer * Ability to read stakes and grades * Ability to read and understand ...

Equipment Operator

Niles, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Equipment Operator Driven by our purpose: Building progress for people and the planet. We are ... Track dozer • Blast hole driller • Front end loader (962G, 980, 988,IT28, 992G 992) * Other ...

Equipment Operator

Niles, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Equipment Operator Driven by our purpose: Building progress for people and the planet. We are ... Track dozer • Blast hole driller • Front end loader (962G, 980, 988,IT28, 992G 992) * Other ...

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

Quarry Operator ABOUT THE ROLE This position directly reports to the Quarry Manager. All duties are ... Haul truck, Track dozer, Excavator (349,352), Front end loader (980, 988), water truck, skid steer

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dozer Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$14

$22

$39

How much do dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for dozer operator in Michigan is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Dozer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of heavy equipment operation, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers requiring a valid equipment operator certification. Experience with GPS machine control systems, safety protocols, and routine equipment maintenance tools is highly valued. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operation on busy worksites. These skills ensure precision, safety, and productivity, which are vital for meeting project deadlines and maintaining workplace safety standards.

How much does a bulldozer driver make?

A dozer operator typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often command higher wages and may work in construction, mining, or land development environments.

Do I need a license to operate a dozer?

In most regions, dozer operators are required to have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specialized certification such as a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator license. Employers often prefer candidates with formal training and certification to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

What are Dozer Operators?

Dozer Operators are skilled professionals who operate bulldozers and other heavy equipment to move earth, rocks, debris, and other materials on construction sites, mines, quarries, and other work environments. Their main responsibility involves grading land, clearing obstacles, and preparing sites for building or infrastructure projects. They must understand how to safely maneuver large machinery, read site plans, and perform routine maintenance on their equipment. Safety, precision, and attention to detail are critical aspects of this role.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paying heavy equipment operator jobs typically involve specialized roles such as crane operators, bulldozer operators, or excavator operators working in industries like oil and gas, mining, or large-scale construction. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and operating complex machinery, which can lead to higher wages compared to standard dozer operator positions.

What is the difference between Dozer Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDozer OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) or certification in heavy equipment operationSimilar certifications, often including OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOperate bulldozers mainly on construction sites, land clearing, and gradingOperate excavators for digging, trenching, and material handling
Industry UsageCommon in construction, mining, and land developmentUsed in construction, demolition, and excavation projects

Both Dozer Operators and Excavator Operators require heavy equipment certifications and work in construction-related environments. While Dozer Operators focus on land grading and moving large amounts of earth with bulldozers, Excavator Operators specialize in digging and material handling with excavators. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What are some common challenges Dozer Operators face on construction sites, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dozer Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or limited spaces, and ensuring safety while operating heavy machinery near other workers and equipment. Effective communication with site supervisors and other operators is essential to coordinate tasks and avoid hazards. Regular equipment checks and adherence to safety protocols help maintain smooth operations and minimize downtime due to mechanical issues or accidents.

Is operating a bulldozer hard?

Operating a dozer requires training and familiarity with controls, safety procedures, and terrain. While it can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, many operators find that with proper instruction and experience, it becomes manageable. Certification and hands-on practice are important for proficiency and safety.

What Does a Dozer Operator Do?

A dozer operator drives a bulldozer at construction sites or during other types of industrial operations. In this job, your duties include moving soil, rocks, and debris and leveling the ground. You control the tractor and also operate the shovel or blade on the front of the vehicle. A dozer operator’s responsibilities can vary, but you usually receive instructions or guidance from a foreman or site supervisor. A dozer driver is a heavy equipment operator. In some jobs, you operate other types of heavy equipment in addition to the bulldozer. Heavy equipment can include a backhoe, dump truck, or excavator.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dozer Operator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Dozer Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Dozer Operator jobs in MI? For Dozer Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Equipment Operator - Dirt

Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's

Petoskey, MI • On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Team Elmer's rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator for a spring start. This position may operate several different equipment to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
  • Will operate a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Dig dirt using shovels and machinery.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
  • Set up or inspect the equipment before operation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Operate machinery to perform various activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site.
  • May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, clean up rubble and debris, and remove waste materials.
  • Read grades, lift and carry objects & materials of various weights.
  • Help maintain equipment by keeping it clean and in proper working order. Report any damaged or unsafe equipment to the foreman immediately.
  • Lubricate, adjust or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
  • Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
  • Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent the capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
  • Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
  • Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
  • Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
  • Drive machines to work sites.
  • Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
  • Know and follow all company safety policies including OSHA, MIOSHA, MSHA, and ANSI regulations.
  • Practice safety at all times including driving company vehicles or use of equipment. Use PPE while on the job site e.g. hard hat safety glasses, ear protection, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, pants, and gloves.
  • Take initiative and anticipate what needs to be done.
  • Work in conjunction and as a team with your crew.
  • May assist other craft workers.
  • Other duties as assigned

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

  • Valid license, CDL preferred, or the ability to obtain within one year
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Clean driving record for the past 5 years
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer
  • Ability to read stakes and grades
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and drawings
  • Competent in construction math
  • Ability to complete tasks like handling power tools, running heavy equipment, raking, and shoveling as needed.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and understand your role on the team.
  • Ability to work long hours and perform repetitive lifting, carrying, climbing, and walking. Repetitive lifting could be 40 or more pounds at any one time.
  • Ability to work long hours 5-6 days a week in all environmental conditions.
  • Good work ethic, punctuality, and alertness.
  • Mechanical -- Knowledge of equipment, machines, and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and Construction-- Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved with the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Ability to follow all company, DOT, OSHA, and MiOSHA safety rules.

"The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position."

EEO/AA


What Team Elmer's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom