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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Springfield, OR

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CDL Driver - Conveyor Operator

Eugene, OR · On-site

Experience operating heavy equipment and driving a manual transmission truck * Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions * Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a ...

Express Employment

Trailer Mechanic

Harrisburg, OR

$21/hr

... operating properly. The ideal candidate will have mechanical knowledge, strong troubleshooting ... or heavy equipment mechanical experience preferredKnowledge of trailer suspension, brakes, tires ...

TEC Equipment, Inc.

Service Advisor

Coburg, OR · On-site

TEC Equipment features Mack and Volvo heavy-duty trucks, Hino and Isuzu medium duty trucks ... Our Service Department has an excellent opportunity for an entry level Service Advisor to join our ...

TEC Equipment, Inc.

Service Advisor

Coburg, OR · On-site

TEC Equipment features Mack and Volvo heavy-duty trucks, Hino and Isuzu medium duty trucks ... Overview Our Service Department has an excellent opportunity for an entry level Service Advisor to ...

TEC Equipment, Inc.

Service Advisor

Coburg, OR

TEC Equipment features Mack and Volvo heavy-duty trucks, Hino and Isuzu medium duty trucks ... Overview Our Service Department has an excellent opportunity for an entry level Service Advisor to ...

PetersonCat

Shop Technician

Eugene, OR

... owned and operated business.It's time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters ... in heavy equipment service, preferably in a heavy industrial environment; or an equivalent ...

Peterson

Shop Technician

Eugene, OR · On-site

... owned and operated business. It's time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters ... in heavy equipment service, preferably in a heavy industrial environment; or an equivalent ...

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

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Springfield, OR salary details

$14

$24

$34

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Springfield, OR is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Entry level heavy equipment operators typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized or highly experienced roles, such as skilled crane operators or union heavy equipment operators with certifications. These positions often require extensive training, certifications, and experience, and may involve overtime or hazardous work conditions that justify higher pay. Most entry-level roles pay significantly less, but experienced operators in certain industries can reach or exceed this daily rate.

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.

How to start out as a heavy equipment operator?

To start as a heavy equipment operator, gain relevant skills through vocational training or apprenticeships, and obtain necessary certifications such as OSHA safety training. Practical experience with equipment like bulldozers or excavators is valuable, and many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Entry-level positions often require physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments.

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.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry-level heavy equipment operator jobs often do not require prior experience, but applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a training program or obtain a certification such as OSHA safety training. Employers may also look for physical fitness, the ability to learn equipment operation, and a willingness to work in various environments. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or training courses can improve job prospects.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level heavy equipment operators can earn around $4,000 a week with experience, proper certifications, and working in high-demand industries like construction or mining. These roles often require operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers or cranes, and may involve overtime or shift work to reach that income level.

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
What cities near Springfield, OR are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Springfield, OR 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, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,058 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Press Brake Operator - Swing shift

Press Brake Operator - Swing shift

Astec Industries

Eugene, OR • On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Astec rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

BUILT TO CONNECT
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines. The Machine Operator will also be responsible for inspecting parts to specifications and making adjustments, or tool changes as necessary to maintain quality specifications.

Key Deliverables
• Set up and operate a production machine in accordance with Astec’s guidelines.
• Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately.
• Perform pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation.
• Accurately perform task based on blueprints provided.
• Maintain a detailed activity log of daily duties.

Key Activities & Responsibilities
• Knowledgeable in basic machine safety to include proper lifting techniques.
• Basic blueprint reading and math skills (basic geometry to figure angles) and decimals and metric conversions.
• Knowledgeable and able to use tape measure, combination square, levels and radius boards, etc.
• Able to safely use hand tools to include hammer, adjustable wrench, air grinder, pencil grinder, and air wrenches.
• Closely monitor machine while in operation, never leaving immediate work area while machine is in operation and be ready to respond to breakdowns quickly in order to shut down machine.
• Be able to read cut lists (basic reading skills and knowledge of materials – types of steel Able to safely operate cranes and forklifts.
• Be able to do some layout work.
• Review operator manual(s) for saw, drill, and mill for safe and appropriate operation (to include preventive maintenance).
• Communicate with other machine operators and team members to guarantee safety on the floor.
• Keep work area neat and clean.
• Must follow all Astec, Inc. safety rules and requirements.
• Must follow all company policy requirements.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• Relevant trade school or college course work desired.
• Blueprint reading skills desired.
• 0-2 Heavy equipment manufacturing experience desired.
• Computer experience desired, particularly the ability to use a mouse, and locate and open/close files.
• Ability to follow verbal instruction and learn how to operate machine, training will be provided.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Must have good troubleshooting skills, be able to maintain quality, and diagnose cutting problems.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations
None

Our Culture and Values
Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.
• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing Environment
Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.

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