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Heavy Equipment Operator Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$25 - $28.50/hr

Turner Staffing Group, in collaboration with our esteemed mining partner in Kershaw, South Carolina, is actively seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to join our dynamic team. As a leading ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... in mining / heavy industry preferred * Working knowledge of safety systems and processes

Ledcor is hiring Equipment Operators for our mining teams in Nevada and Idaho. If you can run ... Operate a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water ...

Ledcor is hiring Equipment Operators for our mining teams in Nevada and Idaho. If you can run ... Operate a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water ...

Turner Mining Group - Heavy Equipment Operator Do you love mining? Do you think differently? Are you ready to define the future of this industry? We've been waiting for you! Turner Mining Group is ...

Ledcor is hiring Equipment Operators for our mining teams in Nevada and Idaho. If you can run ... Operate a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water ...

Ledcor is hiring Equipment Operators for our mining teams in Nevada and Idaho. If you can run ... Operate a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Mining information

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$14

$23

$33

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator mining 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 is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy equipment operator jobs are often in specialized sectors such as mining, oil and gas, or construction management, with operators of large machinery like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators earning higher wages. Experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments can also increase earning potential.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator MiningHeavy Equipment Operator Construction
Work EnvironmentMining sites, open-pit or underground minesConstruction sites, buildings, infrastructure projects
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation licenses, possibly mine-specific safety certificationsStandard construction equipment licenses, OSHA safety training
Equipment UsedExcavators, bulldozers, haul trucks, draglinesExcavators, loaders, bulldozers, cranes
Industry UsageMining companies, resource extraction industriesConstruction firms, infrastructure development

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, Heavy Equipment Operator Mining focuses on working in mining environments with specialized safety and equipment requirements. In contrast, Heavy Equipment Operator Construction is centered around building infrastructure in urban and rural settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and equipment used.

What does a Heavy Equipment Operator in mining do?

A Heavy Equipment Operator in mining is responsible for safely operating large machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and haul trucks to move earth, minerals, and other materials at mining sites. They help with tasks like clearing land, digging, transporting mined materials, and maintaining haul roads. Operators must follow strict safety protocols, perform routine equipment checks, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure efficient and safe mining operations.

How to be a mining machine operator?

To become a mining machine operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training on heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, or haul trucks. Many employers require certification or licensing, and on-the-job training is common to develop skills in operating mining machinery safely and efficiently.

What does an operator do in mines?

A heavy equipment operator in mining is responsible for operating machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders to move earth, minerals, and materials. They perform inspections, follow safety protocols, and work in shifts to support mining operations efficiently and safely.

What is the highest paying job in mining?

In mining, the highest paying roles are often mine managers, engineering managers, or specialized technical experts such as geologists and metallurgists, especially those with extensive experience and certifications. These positions typically require advanced skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge of safety regulations, and they can command salaries significantly higher than entry-level equipment operators.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by Heavy Equipment Operators in a mining environment?

Heavy Equipment Operators in mining often work in physically demanding and remote environments, which can include extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain. Safety is a primary concern due to the presence of large machinery and the need to follow strict operational protocols to prevent accidents. Operators must also adapt to shift work, including nights and weekends, and collaborate closely with other team members such as engineers, safety officers, and maintenance crews to ensure smooth and safe operations. Being able to quickly troubleshoot equipment issues and communicate effectively with the team are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator in mining, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator in mining, you need expertise in operating large machinery such as excavators, loaders, and haul trucks, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and, often, specialized operator certifications. Familiarity with safety systems, GPS guidance technology, and maintenance protocols is typically required in this role. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations in challenging and potentially hazardous mining environments.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator Mining jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Mining jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Mining job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operator Mining jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator Mining jobs include:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Mining job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% 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 - Mining

Heavy Equipment Operator - Mining

Turner Mining Group

Crane, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator

Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group

Job Description:

The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner Values and be an outward example to others. This position must demonstrate a strong commitment to "Safe Production" through decision making, priorities, and client relations.

Objectives and Contributions:

The Equipment Operator is focused on key aspects that drive communication and safe production while maintaining a high level of efficiency, and preventative maintenance awareness requirements. The Operator demonstrates safety ownership at a personal level and holds other crew members to the same high standard. The Equipment Operator will train and develop into the Senior Equipment Operator job scope while the Senior Equipment operator is filling in for the Lead job duties.

  • Work with employees to ensure a high level of accuracy and engagement on hazard identification and control
  • Engage crews and leadership to define processes that motivate working towards common goals
  • Assist with MSHA regulatory task training and verify compliance to standards
  • Live the values as part of a visible daily decision-making process
  • Assist with training proficiency audits
  • Involvement in risk assessment processes at various levels of the organization
  • Holds themselves and others accountable for acting like an owner (taking care of equipment, not wasting resources, using time wisely, and being accountable for conditions and behaviors)
  • Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas)

Culture and Communication:

  • Can effectively communicate in English (multi-lingual preferred)
  • Participate in site and project leaders to identify areas of improvement
  • Work with crews to support proactive near miss reporting
  • Leads by example (walks the talk)

Systems:

  • Ability to perform quality pre-operation machine inspections (Based on mobile equipment physical demands analysis)
  • Accurately documents 5000-23 and training checklist requirements
  • Other regulatory & internal / external forms as required

Travel and New Site Development:

  • Maintains a valid and insurable driving license
  • Available to travel on short notice to support timelines and production requirements at existing sites

Time and Interactions:

  • The Equipment Operator must be flexible on shift schedules (days and nights) to assist with training and production needs
  • The Equipment Operator will be self-starting, motivated, with a strong desire to be part of a team and to influence improvement. Communication is also critical to keep leadership and site-based personnel in the loop of successes, challenges, and any additional support that may be required
  • Excellent time management skills

Qualifications:

  • Willingness and ability to adhere to OSHA / MSHA regulatory requirements
  • 1-3 years' experience in mining / heavy industry preferred
  • Working knowledge of safety systems and processes
  • Appropriate attention to detail required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong morals and values
  • Exemplary attendance record
  • Exemplary safety and disciplinary record
  • Willingness to be flexible on daily job duty requirements
  • Maintains a positive outspoken learning attitude
  • The Equipment Operator must pass and maintain Turner Mining Group mobile equipment skills qualifications on each
  • piece of the following equipment:
    • Support excavator
  • Dozer
  • Support loader
  • Grader
  • Water truck
  • Haulage truck

Other Duties:

In addition to the job skills above, there may be requirements for manual tasks to be completed to meet other business needs. Operators in any job duty classification may be required to participate in these additional tasks.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements listed below are essential functions of this position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Weight Requirement: Ability to meet equipment manufacturer's safety requirements, including a body weight under 330 pounds.
  • Mobility & Posture: Ability to kneel, crouch, squat, climb stairs, and climb ladders repeatedly.
  • Reaching & Movement: Ability to reach forward and overhead, and to perform sustained or repetitive movements of the neck, hands, wrists, and ankles/feet.
  • Strength & Endurance: Ability to push and pull with a force of at least 55 pounds.
    • Ability to lift, carry, and set down objects weighing up to 85 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and carry objects overhead weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and move items from floor level to waist, shoulder, and overhead levels.
  • Ability to carry weights over distances of at least 20 feet.
  • Repetition & Duration: Ability to perform the above motions multiple times in succession and sustain activity for extended periods.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME