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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · 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

Decatur, AL

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 ...

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material ...

Harmon Scrap Metal

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a ...

Gillmann Services Inc.

Be Seen First

Operator - Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - TEMP TO PERM AFTER 90 DAYS!! DOZER OPERATORS AND EXCAVATOR OPERATOR** RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS: · Must comply with company, state and governmental health and safety ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

Action

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

Action Enterprise

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

SA Recycling

Travel Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Equipment Operator will travel with their own vehicle to various yards to support our North ... Crush, load, and unload items using heavy equipment. * Safely clean equipment when jams occur

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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$22

$31

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Decatur, AL is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.24 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:

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

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Cities near Decatur, AL 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 Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,244 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

GHD Group

Decatur, AL • On-site

Per diem

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description


Join a global professional services leader. We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanization.
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 earthwork and environmental construction! As Equipment Operator you must demonstrate safe operation of assigned equipment based on changing operating conditions.
Travel expectations: Projects are located throughout the U.S. Travel is on a rotational basis: 3 weeks onsite, home for a weekend and then back onsite for another 3 weeks. Travel, mobilization, hotel and per diem costs are paid by GHD. We have an upcoming 3-year project in western Ohio.
Performance Responsibilities:
  • Operate medium equipment at high caliber of quality
  • Safely operates equipment with the ability to achieve daily production goals
  • Conducts daily maintenance checks of all operated equipment and vehicles
  • Provides physical labor with hand tools, power tools, etc. when vital
  • Read, interpret and construct according to engineered drawings/ plans.
  • Assists Superintendent and foreperson in ensuring that the final product is of the upmost and highest possible quality, both structurally and aesthetically.
  • Completes all required quarterly and yearly Safety Reporting Forms (STEPs, UA/UC/SW)

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years in operating a variety of medium-sized or larger equipment
  • Qualified in the basic operation of equipment (e.g. dozer, loader, excavator, roller/compactor, grader) in a production scenario.
  • Ability to read/ use tape measures, transit/levels, etc.

If you are passionate about pursuing this position, please submit your resume and cover letter via the link below.
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship.
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