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Government Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABCI

Heavy Equipment Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - ABCI ABCI, a local mid-sized civil construction company, is seeking a full-time, experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The Heavy Equipment Operator is ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate, maintain, and ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate, maintain, and ...

Clark Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Lansing, MI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Lansing, MI Pay: $25-$35/ HR Operate Modern Equipment on High-Profile Construction Projects Clark Companies is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join ...

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Government Heavy Equipment Operator information

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How much do government heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for government heavy equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by government heavy equipment operators, and how can they be addressed?

Government heavy equipment operators often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating strict safety regulations, and maintaining equipment in peak condition. These challenges can be addressed by participating in ongoing safety training, adhering to preventive maintenance schedules, and collaborating closely with supervisors and other crew members to coordinate tasks efficiently. Additionally, operators benefit from clear communication and detailed project planning, which help minimize downtime and ensure public safety on government projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as a Government Heavy Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equipment-specific certifications. Familiarity with operating bulldozers, excavators, graders, and GPS guidance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, safety consciousness, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working in regulated and team-oriented environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of heavy machinery on public works projects.

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

AspectGovernment Heavy Equipment OperatorConstruction Heavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires CDL and government-specific safety certificationsRequires CDL and OSHA safety certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic infrastructure projects, government sites, municipal areasPrivate construction sites, commercial projects
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, municipalities, public worksConstruction companies, contractors
Job TasksOperating heavy machinery for public works, road maintenance, infrastructureBuilding, demolishing, and site preparation for private projects

Both roles involve operating heavy equipment and require similar certifications, but Government Heavy Equipment Operators primarily work on public infrastructure projects for government agencies, while Construction Heavy Equipment Operators focus on private construction sites. The work environments and project types differ, but the core skills and certifications overlap significantly.

What is a government heavy equipment operator?

Government Heavy Equipment Operators are professionals employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to operate and maintain heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, and loaders. Their work is essential for constructing, repairing, and maintaining public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities. They follow strict safety protocols and often perform routine maintenance on their equipment. These operators may also assist during emergencies, such as natural disasters, by clearing debris or restoring access to critical areas.
More about Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Government Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:
Government Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Capital Waste Services

Dayton, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
CWS is a leading provider of waste management services throughout South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida areas We are committed to providing superior customer service with our emphasis on integrity, reliability and cleanliness. We invest in our community, our customers and our employees by providing access to state-of-the-art systems and processes, and the best leadership in the business!
POSITION SUMMARY: The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.
Heavy Equipment Operator PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rearview camera are clean. Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.
  • Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair.
  • Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Heavy Equipment Operator QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company's safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • High School diploma or GED.

Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.

Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Experience:
  • Dozer: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Excavator: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Solid waste management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person
Requirements
Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.

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