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Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required. * Proactive in addressing unsafe ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required. * Proactive in addressing unsafe ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Heidelberg Materials

Excavator Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Other What Are We Looking For Proficiency in operating heavy equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Effective ...

Heidelbergmaterials

Excavator Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Other What Are We Looking For Proficiency in operating heavy equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Effective ...

RB Global Inc.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Loader Operator I The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions.

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$14.43 - $18.05/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Hammond, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Mount Zion, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Maroa, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Argenta, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

De Witt, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Harristown, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Dawson, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Ivesdale, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Elwin, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally. Primary Duties and Accountabilities * Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEquipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL

Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for equipment operator in Decatur, IL is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equipment Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized equipment certification. Familiarity with operating loaders, excavators, forklifts, or cranes, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and maintenance systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently in team environments. Mastering these skills ensures safe operation, reduces the risk of accidents, and maximizes productivity on job sites.

What are some common challenges equipment operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing tight project deadlines, and operating heavy machinery in confined or busy work sites. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and maintaining clear communication with team members are crucial for minimizing risks. Regular equipment inspections and proactive maintenance help prevent breakdowns that could cause delays. Seeking ongoing training or certifications can also enhance operational efficiency and open up advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectEquipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, heavy machinery certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, factories, warehousesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, logisticsConstruction, mining, forestry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for general machinery operationFocuses on large, heavy machinery

While both roles involve operating machinery, Equipment Operators typically handle a variety of equipment in different settings, whereas Heavy Equipment Operators specialize in large, heavy machinery used in construction and mining. The key differences lie in the size of equipment and industry focus, but both require safety training and certifications.

What equipment operators make the most money?

Heavy equipment operators who specialize in high-demand machinery such as crane, bulldozer, or excavator operators tend to earn the highest wages. Those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience working in industries like construction, mining, or oil and gas typically have higher earning potential. Advanced training and operating complex or large equipment can also increase salary levels for equipment operators.

What is the job of an equipment operator?

An equipment operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, or excavators to perform construction, landscaping, or industrial tasks. They must follow safety protocols, often hold relevant certifications, and have good mechanical skills to ensure efficient and safe operation in various work environments.
More about Equipment Operator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL?

For Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Equipment Operator job openings:

Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, IL 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 $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Operator I

Ring Container Technologies

Decatur, IL • On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Ring Container Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Job Purpose
To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate documentation and communicate ideas and problems to appropriate staff; perform scheduled preventative maintenance and other repairs to production equipment; participate in production equipment changeovers; responsible for producing best quality product.
Safety
  • Follow all employer safety and health regulations as required by company policies, procedures and practices.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all downstream equipment to meet or exceed company established safety culture.
  • Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy.
  • Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
  • Proactive in addressing unsafe conditions and confronting unsafe behaviors in the facility.
  • Address all unsafe acts or conditions immediately and report to Shift Production Supervisor.
  • Participate and/or conduct safety training as scheduled.

Daily Operations
  • Monitor and explain deviation from expected Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. Perform necessary Operator Checklists.
  • Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.
  • Monitor and respond accordingly to any deviations within SPC charting.
  • Communicate problems, progress reports and continuous improvement ideas to management staff, maintenance and production personnel.
  • Perform maintenance tasks as outlined by Maintenance Manager and in response to machine malfunctions. Troubleshoot machine and process issues.
  • Responsible for personal development by establishing SMART goals, requesting regular meetings with their managers, volunteering for plant improvement teams, requesting additional training, requesting involvement beyond their immediate job responsibilities, seeking higher education opportunities including continuing education classes and meeting or exceeding their self-development and performance goals. Provide suggestions for training topics.
  • Ensure all daily, weekly and periodic cleaning tasks are performed as outlined in the Master Cleaning Schedule.
  • Maintain accurate production reporting documentation.
  • Responsible for active participation on plant teams and activities including safety, quality, sustainability, community involvement, OEE, maintenance, employee wellness, brainstorming and continuous improvement which are required to create and maintain a World Class environment.
  • Operate Powered Industrial Truck, Boom Lift and Scissor Lift per OSHA regulations rules and guidelines.

Quality/GMP/Food Safety
  • Responsible for producing and/or packing the best quality product at all times which meet or exceed company expectations and customer quality expectations.
  • Label and/or tag all production, and maintain raw and packaging material traceability by recording lot codes as required.
  • Isolate and track all non-conforming products and materials.
  • Perform quality and downstream testing and measurements, and record results in the specified system or form as directed.
  • Communicate out of specification conditions, food safety and food defense issues to the appropriate personnel.
  • Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), personnel practices, HACCP, and prerequisite food safety programs.
  • Ensure work is performed in a manner which prevents foreign material contamination.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area through effective housekeeping, sanitization, and waste management practices by following the master cleaning and sanitization schedule to ensure the food safety of materials, products and processes are not impacted.
  • Proactively resolve housekeeping and sanitization opportunities.

Preventive Maintenance
  • Perform scheduled production equipment changeovers as outlined by the plant production schedule. Perform changeovers with limited impact to OEE.
  • Perform scheduled Preventative Maintenance tasks as outlined by the plant PM program. Manage preventative maintenance tasks in Computerized Maintenance Management Software, as directed, including generating work orders.
  • Proactive in addressing machine inefficiencies during preventative maintenance.
  • Ensure equipment is clean and in 'showroom condition' after preventative maintenance is performed on production equipment.
  • Continually evaluate equipment for improvement areas. Tag components or parts that need repair, replacement or improvement.
  • Ensure production equipment is in safe and efficient operation after each changeover.
  • Record parts removed from inventory on appropriate documentation and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to maintain sufficient parts inventory.
  • Notify Maintenance Manager when parts inventory becomes low or reaches a reorder point.

Experience, Educational and Technical Qualifications
  • Our Operator should possess a sense of urgency, accountability, business ethics, professionalism, self-motivation and the desire and focus to improve the business.
  • Our Operator may be required to act as Person In Charge in the absence of a member of management.
  • Our Operator must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent and successfully complete the entrance examinations and interviews.

Abilities Required
  • Must be able to come to work promptly and regularly.
  • Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
  • Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines.
  • Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
  • Must be able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned.

Physical Activity Required:
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs and equipment, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Needs good body agility.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist. This requires the full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Standing: Standing for sustained periods of time.
  • Walking: Moving over long distances to accomplish tasks.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. This includes activities where detailed or important spoken instruction must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds with no less than 40 dB at 500 Hz, 100 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction. Able to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machine parts.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements of the arms, hand and/or fingers.
  • Vision: Must be able to prepare and analyze data and figures. Eye sight capable of seeing small defects at distances close to the eyes.
  • Exertion: Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Environmental Working Conditions:
  • The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
  • The worker may be subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100 for periods of more than one hour.
  • The worker is subject to noise.
  • The worker is subject to vibrations. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
  • The worker is subject to being exposed to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, etc.
  • The worker may be subject to atmospheric conditions, i.e. fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
  • The worker is subject to oils. Air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
#LI-BH1
Ring Container Technologiesis an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Ring to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or certain classifications based on genetic information.
Pay Range:
$18.95 - $27.90

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