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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Georgia

M&M Recycling

Heavy Equipment Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - Scrap Metal Recycling M&M Recycling is looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. This is a hands-on production role for an operator who knows ...

Unified Prince

Heavy Equipment Operator

Byron, GA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will be responsible for the precise and safe operation of various heavy machinery, including forklifts, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency. The ...

Unified Prince

Heavy Equipment Operator

Byron, GA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will be responsible for the precise and safe operation of various heavy machinery, including forklifts, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency. The ...

Akima, LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fort Stewart, GA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) and construction-type machinery in support of Army equipment turn-in operations. This role ...

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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

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How much do entry level heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Georgia is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level heavy equipment operator?

An Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator is a worker who operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other large construction equipment under supervision. They are responsible for assisting with site preparation, moving earth or materials, and following safety protocols on construction or industrial sites. Typically, entry-level operators are new to the field and may have completed vocational training or an apprenticeship, but have limited hands-on experience. They learn on the job and gradually take on more complex tasks as they gain skills.

What does an entry level heavy equipment operator do?

The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with machinery like excavators, loaders, and safety systems, as well as certifications such as OSHA or NCCER, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a safety-first mindset are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and the prevention of workplace accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level heavy equipment operators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level heavy equipment operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse machinery, maintaining safety standards, and working in varying weather conditions. Adjusting to the physical demands and learning to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors are also common hurdles. To overcome these challenges, new operators should seek hands-on training, ask for feedback from experienced coworkers, and consistently review safety protocols. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning can help ease the transition and foster career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Technician?

AspectEntry Level Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, job sites
Job FocusOperating machinery like excavators and bulldozersDiagnosing and repairing heavy equipment

While both roles involve heavy machinery, an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator primarily operates construction equipment on job sites, requiring safety training and basic certifications. In contrast, a Heavy Equipment Technician focuses on maintaining and repairing this machinery, often working in repair shops or maintenance facilities. The roles differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environments, but both are essential in the heavy equipment industry.

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

Entry level heavy equipment operators can start by obtaining a basic commercial driver's license (CDL) and completing a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level construction roles can also improve job prospects, along with demonstrating safety awareness and physical fitness. Certifications in equipment operation and a willingness to learn are valuable for entry-level candidates.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs

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

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Georgia are:

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For Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, and 97% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,653 per year, or $20 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Chatsworth, GA • On-site

Capital Waste Services
Environmental Consulting Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Capital Waste Servicesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
CWS is a leading provider of waste management services throughout South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida areas We are committed to providing superior customer service with our emphasis on integrity, reliability and cleanliness. We invest in our community, our customers and our employees by providing access to state-of-the-art systems and processes, and the best leadership in the business!
POSITION SUMMARY: The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.
Heavy Equipment Operator PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rearview camera are clean. Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.
  • Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair.
  • Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Heavy Equipment Operator QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company's safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • High School diploma or GED.

Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.

Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):
  • What is your experience surrounding dozers, excavators, or similar equipment and in what industry?

Experience:
  • Dozer: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Excavator: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Solid waste management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person
Requirements
Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.

Apply