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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio

ScottsMiracle-Gro

Heavy Equipment Operator

Shreve, OH · On-site

$22.50/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator prepares organic mixes using a heavy equipment loader, pushes or relocates piles to ensure segregation of materials, supplies production with a continuous supply of ...

B & S Site Development

$28/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator We are searching for a skilled heavy equipment operator to utilize our industrial gear. Heavy equipment operators handle motorized apparatus such as bulldozers, excavator ...

Central Excavation

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fostoria, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to become a part of our team! You will operate various types of machines in various types of industries. Responsibilities: * Inspect equipment before and ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbus, OH

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbus, OH

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

Rumpke

Heavy Equipment Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment that perform the spreading, compaction, and/or loading of commercial and residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$22

$31

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 Ohio is $22.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.58 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 Ohio?

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Ohio?

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

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

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

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

Cities in Ohio 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 Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,897 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

ScottsMiracle-Gro

Shreve, OH • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

ScottsMiracle-Gro rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

We're looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Scotts Miracle Gro team in Shreve, OH.

The Heavy Equipment Operator prepares organic mixes using a heavy equipment loader, pushes or relocates piles to ensure segregation of materials, supplies production with a continuous supply of material, and monitors the stock piles for excessive heat, turns stockpiles, extinguishes small fires and ensures the proper amount of water is used to prepare the stockpile for production use.
What you’ll do in this role:
  • Operate heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front-end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, snowblowers and other pieces of equipment.
  • Clean, maintain and secure all equipment as directed by management and company policies and procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.
What you’ll need to be successful:
  • Ability to work in a dusty, dirty environment.
  • Ability to work in all weather elements, including heat and cold.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  • Physical ability to climb in and out of equipment.
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time.
  • Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
  • Qualifications for the position
  • Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
  • One or more years of experience using medium and/or heavy equipment.

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