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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Springfield, MO

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Springfield, MO · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator AMAT Springfield, Missouri, United States Job ID: 526586 APAC Central Inc., is a CRH company producing and providing crushed aggregate materials, sand, ready-mix concrete ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Position Overview As part of our dedicated team, the Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and effectively operating heavy equipment to load, offload or transport landscape supplies such as ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Springfield, MO

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Position Overview As part of our dedicated team, the Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and effectively operating heavy equipment to load, offload or transport landscape supplies such as ...

Commercial Metals Company

Equipment Operator

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Minimum 1 year experience operating heavy equipment required * Minimum 1 year experience operating hydraulic cranes required Your Education * High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Springfield, MO

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Springfield, MO salary details

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$30

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Springfield, MO is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $24.47 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 cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO 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 Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,867 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Farmer Holding Company

Springfield, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Capital Paving and Construction is looking to fill several Heavy Equipment Operator positions based in the Springfield, MO area.   Experience in the operation of Dozers, Skid Steers, and Graders is required. These are full-time benefit eligible positions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner under varying weather conditions, while exposed to dampness, fumes, dust, electrical, mechanical and traffic hazards
  • Operate one or more of the following pieces of heavy construction equipment skillfully, safely, and in accordance with traffic laws and regulations: scrapers, heavy graders, motor graders or blades, large trenchers, rock cutters, front end loaders (four cubic yards and over), heavy steel wheeled rollers, bulldozers and other light weight, medium weight, and heavy-duty equipment
  • Routine maintenance on the equipment, to include keeping equipment clean and operable
  • Communicate with foreman and coworkers regarding the daily job specifications.
  • Operate power driven machinery such as jack hammer, tamper, or other similarly sized equipment.
  • Due to changes and modifications in the job from time to time, employees are required to be flexible and assume other responsibilities assigned by management as deemed necessary
  • Work with powered and non-powered hand tools (i.e. rakes, shovels, etc.)
  • Work in a variety of positions throughout the day including standing, stooping, bending at the waist, at waist level, shoulder height and above the head
  • Perform general labor duties when necessary

REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience in the operations of heavy equipment
  • Must be punctual, have a strong work ethic, and maintain a good attendance record.
  • Must be able to work as a team on all projects
  • Class A CDL is a plus.
  • Lift/move up to 50 lbs.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Work overtime, nights, weekends, as needed
  • Stand for extended periods of time
  • Reliable transportation
  • Willing to travel/work out of town
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screen, and background check

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. We offer competitive wages and great employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) plan, life insurance and short and long-term disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Capital will give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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