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Ground Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithers-Oasis Company

Equipment Operator

Walterboro, SC · On-site

$16.80/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of production equipment ... Able to lift 50 pounds from ground to waist-high placement * Able to operate a forklift We have one ...

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Harpers Ferry, WV · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Monitor ground conditions, highwalls, quarry faces, traffic patterns,and surrounding equipment to ... Previous experience operating excavators in a quarry, aggregate, mining, construction, or similar ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Equipment Operator

Cornelius, NC · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Glen Cove, NY · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Warwick, RI

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Cornelius, NC

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Assist with fuel dock operations in ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Equipment Operator

Warwick, RI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications company that is looking ... ground during beginning phases of development. This means all homes in a community are already ...

Wil-Pav, Inc.

Crew Equipment Operator

Sugar Creek, MO · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

We seek equipment operators with asphalt paving experience and operators who can safely operate machinery while in close proximity to ground crews. A CDL is desired but not required. These ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications company that is looking ... ground during beginning phases of development. This means all homes in a community are already ...

Wil-Pav, Inc.

Crew Equipment Operator

Sugar Creek, MO · On-site

$28/hr

We seek equipment operators with asphalt paving experience and operators who can safely operate machinery while in close proximity to ground crews. A CDL is desired but not required. These ...

State of North Dakota

Equipment Operator

Fargo, ND · On-site

$4.1K - $4.9K/mo

NDDOT Equipment Operator II Salary $4,937 per month NDDOT Equipment Operator I Salary $4,375 per ... You will complete building and ground maintenance duties, and general routine maintenance of the ...

State of North Dakota

Equipment Operator

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$4.1K - $4.9K/mo

NDDOT Equipment Operator II Salary $4,937 per month NDDOT Equipment Operator I Salary $4,375 per ... You will complete building and ground maintenance duties, and general routine maintenance of the ...

State of North Dakota

Equipment Operator

New England, ND · On-site

$4.1K - $4.9K/mo

NDDOT Equipment Operator II Salary $4,937 per month NDDOT Equipment Operator I Salary $4,375 per ... You will complete building and ground maintenance duties, and general routine maintenance of the ...

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Harpers Ferry, WV · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Monitor ground conditions, highwalls, quarry faces, traffic patterns,and surrounding equipment to ... Previous experience operating excavators in a quarry, aggregate, mining, construction, or similar ...

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Ground Equipment Operator information

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How much do ground equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ground equipment operator?

To thrive as a Ground Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant equipment operation experience or certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and often a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a strong sense of responsibility are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of ground equipment, minimizing accidents and supporting smooth logistical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by ground equipment operators, and how can they be overcome?

Ground Equipment Operators often work in fast-paced environments where they must safely and efficiently handle heavy machinery near aircraft and personnel. Common challenges include adapting to changing weather conditions, maintaining equipment reliability, and managing tight schedules. These challenges can be overcome by following strict safety protocols, participating in regular equipment training, and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors. Building strong teamwork and staying up-to-date on operational procedures also help operators excel in their roles.

What is the difference between Ground Equipment Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectGround Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsTypically OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsCrane operator certification (e.g., NCCCO), OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, airports, industrial facilitiesConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, transportation, logisticsHeavy construction, shipping, infrastructure projects

Both Ground Equipment Operators and Crane Operators work in construction and industrial settings, often requiring safety certifications. While Ground Equipment Operators handle various machinery like loaders and forklifts, Crane Operators specifically operate cranes for lifting heavy loads. The roles overlap in work environment and certifications but differ in equipment specialization and scope of duties.

What does a ground equipment operator do?

A ground equipment operator is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, transportation, or airport settings. They ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and equipment operation certifications. Their work environment typically involves outdoor or industrial sites, and they may perform routine inspections and repairs.
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Ground Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Smithers-Oasis Company

Walterboro, SC • On-site

$16.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

FLORALIFE, a division of Smithers-Oasis, has an immediate opening for an Equipment Operator at our facility in Walterboro, South Carolina on 1st shift!  FLORALIFE is a world leader in the post-harvest care and handling of flowers and provides product and technical services to customers on a global basis.  

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of production equipment which converts raw materials into intermediate or finished goods for the Liquid, Packets, or Powder departments.  This position also possesses specialized knowledge of the machines and processes within the production environment.

Some responsibilities of the Equipment Operator include (but are not limited to):

  • Utilizing specialized knowledge and experience to operate equipment
  • Training employees on equipment and processes
  • Leading Lean Events and other training meetings
  • Assisting plant Maintenance Manager on projects as needed
  • Cross-training to operate in various departments as needed
  • Responsible for production duties
    • Reading and following recipes
    • Preparing batches for filling
    • Assisting in filling batches
    • Weighing premixes for production
    • Operating a scale including basic math skills necessary to complete a weighing of raw material
    • Removing product from production area to QC holding area
  • Reading and completing batch tickets correctly
  • Performing QC test on product produced
  • Various other duties as needed by management

Qualifications & Requirements Include:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Basic math skills
  • Equipment maintenance experience
  • Experience with Lean processes or similar preferred
  • Experience with computer programs such as Excel and other quality software programs
  • Able to lift 50 pounds from ground to waist-high placement
  • Able to operate a forklift

We have one full-time opening on 1st shift. First shift hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:00am to 4:30pm.  Overtime hours will be required based on business needs. 

We offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, a company-matched 401(k) plan, 11 paid holidays and paid time off.  

Starting pay for this position is $16.80 per hour.  Higher pay may be dependent on relevant previous experience.  

Smithers-Oasis is a drug free workplace.  Upon acceptance of a job offer, the candidate will be required to successfully pass a drug screening and background check.

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