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Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Jobs in Colorado

Gunnison County

Heavy Equipment Operator

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$23.60 - $31.69/hr

Pay Rate Heavy Equipment Operator I: hourly range is from $24.19 to $27.54, depending on experience, plus full benefits. Heavy Equipment Operator II: the hourly range is from $28.53 to $32.49 ...

Gunnison County, CO

Heavy Equipment Operator

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$28.53 - $32.49/hr

Pay Rate Heavy Equipment Operator I: hourly range is from $24.19 to $27.54, depending on experience, plus full benefits. Heavy Equipment Operator II: the hourly range is from $28.53 to $32.49 ...

GUNNISON COUNTY

Heavy Equipment Operator

Gunnison, CO

$23.60 - $31.69/hr

Pay Rate Heavy Equipment Operator I: hourly range is from $24.19 to $27.54, depending on experience, plus full benefits. Heavy Equipment Operator II: the hourly range is from $28.53 to $32.49 ...

Duran Excavating, Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Greeley, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Duran Excavating is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators proficient in operating excavators, loaders, and dozers. Candidates must have a solid background in waterline, sewer, storm utility ...

Summit County, CO

Heavy Equipment Operator

Frisco, CO · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Road & Bridge Opening Date: 05/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/31/2026 4:59 PM Mountain Description Summit County's Road and Bridge Department is seeking seasonal full time Heavy Equipment Operators. Ability ...

ssc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Pueblo, CO

$24 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator in Pueblo, CO * Full-time position * Schedule: 4 on 4 off/rotate days and nights every two weeks * 12 hour shifts - 6 am - 6 pm/ 6 pm-6 am * Pay Range $24.00-$31.00 per hour ...

Staff Experts LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Staff Experts, LLC is currently seeking to fill Heavy Equipment Operator positions. If you are interested, please email us your resume and call 520-989-9270 to schedule an interview appointment. Job ...

Gould Construction

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team, specializing in excavation and utilities projects. The ideal candidate will have experience operating various types of heavy ...

Maximum Services Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

$28 - $45/hr

If you have experience operating heavy equipment and are committed to safety, efficiency, and quality work, we'd love to hear from you. Key Responsibilities: * Operate heavy equipment safely and ...

BELFOR Holdings

Heavy Equipment Operator

Arvada, CO

Under general supervision, the Equipment Operator must be proficient in heavy equipment operation relating to earthmoving activities, including but not limited to, support of remediation activities ...

Alter Trading Corp

Heavy Equipment Operator

Greeley, CO · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Facility : All Reports to : Facility Manager Date : Summary Under supervision, operates material handler, similar style to an excavator, as well as other Heavy Equipment ...

Savage

Heavy Equipment Operator

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator in Pueblo, CO * Full-time position * Schedule: 4 on 4 off/rotate days and nights every two weeks * 12 hour shifts - 6 am - 6 pm/ 6 pm-6 am * Pay Range $24.00-$31.00 per hour ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice information

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$14

$24

$35

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator apprentice in Colorado is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $28.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy equipment operator apprentice?

A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice is an individual who is learning to operate large machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes under the supervision of experienced operators. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, teaching safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and operational techniques. The goal is to gain the skills and experience necessary to become a certified heavy equipment operator. Apprenticeships typically last several years and may lead to full-time employment in construction, mining, or other industries that use heavy machinery.

What types of equipment and tasks can a heavy equipment operator apprentice expect to handle during their apprenticeship?

As a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice, you will typically work with a variety of machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and graders under the supervision of experienced operators. Your daily responsibilities may include basic equipment operation, routine maintenance checks, adhering to safety protocols, and assisting with site preparation or cleanup. Apprentices often rotate between different tasks and machines to gain broad hands-on experience, preparing them for more advanced roles. Collaboration with other crew members and learning from mentors is a vital part of the apprenticeship, helping you develop both technical and teamwork skills.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and often OSHA certification or training in equipment-specific systems is valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for success in this hands-on role. These qualities ensure safe, efficient operation and the ability to progress to more advanced responsibilities in the field.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator ApprenticeHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training or apprenticeship programsRequires completion of apprenticeship or certification, with experience in operating heavy machinery
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction, and industrial settings under supervisionFull responsibility for operating equipment on construction sites, mining, or infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers hire apprentices to train and develop skills in construction, mining, and infrastructure sectorsExperienced operators employed in similar industries, responsible for safe and efficient equipment operation

The main difference is that a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice is in training and gaining skills under supervision, while a Heavy Equipment Operator is fully qualified and responsible for operating machinery independently. Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for a career as a fully licensed operator, ensuring safety and proficiency in the field.

How to get a heavy equipment operator apprentice job with no experience?

To secure a heavy equipment operator apprentice position with no experience, applicants should focus on obtaining a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate physical fitness, and learn basic equipment operation through training programs or online courses. Many employers offer on-the-job training and look for candidates with a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and safety awareness; obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training can also improve chances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Colorado?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,871 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Frisco, CO • On-site

Summit County - Colorado
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Summit County - Coloradoexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Seasonal Full Time Heavy Equipment Operators

Summit County's Road and Bridge Department is seeking seasonal full time Heavy Equipment Operators. Ability to operate a variety of heavy equipment such as trucks and/or trailers, loaders, steamers, and common construction tools and to observe safety regulations.

Typical Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required as well as three years of experience as a heavy equipment operator. Valid Colorado Commercial Vehicle Driver License (CDL), minimum of a Class B.

Supplemental Information

This position is open until filled. To apply, please submit Summit County job application and resume online or mail to Summit County Government, Human Resources, P.O. Box 68, Breckenridge, CO 80424. For questions about the position, please email Dan at Daniel. Manguso@summitcountyco.gov.

All positions are subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, and requires proof of citizenship or authorization for employment in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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