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Heavy Equipment Operator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Summary We have an immediate opening for a Heavy Equipment Operator. Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of heavy equipment ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front-end loaders ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Ladson, SC · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator for one of our trusted clients in the Ladson, SC area. This is a great opportunity for an experienced professional looking to stay busy on long-term ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

Heavy Equipment Operator Duties and Responsibilities: * Operate various pieces of large equipment (Excavators, Dozers, Rollers, Motorgrader, Trucks, Wheel Loader, Track Loader, Skid Steer) in ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Operator information

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator 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 Heavy Equipment Operators on construction sites?

Heavy Equipment Operators often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, working on uneven or difficult terrain, and maintaining safety while operating large machinery around other workers. Navigating tight spaces and coordinating with ground crews and other operators requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Additionally, staying up to date with maintenance protocols for equipment helps prevent breakdowns and ensures project timelines are met.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscapingConstruction sites, industrial settings, shipping yards
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, agricultureConstruction, shipping, industrial manufacturing

Both roles require specialized certifications and involve operating heavy machinery in construction or industrial environments. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, Crane Operators focus on lifting and moving heavy loads with cranes. The roles often overlap in construction projects but differ in equipment specialization and certification requirements.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator, you need proficiency in operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with GPS systems, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures for various equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of heavy machinery on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?

A Heavy Equipment Operator is a skilled professional who operates large machinery used in construction, mining, and other industrial projects. These machines include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, cranes, and more. Operators are responsible for safely moving earth, materials, or equipment according to project specifications. They require specialized training and certifications to manage the complex controls and ensure safety on site.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 34% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Orange County Water District

Fountain Valley, CA

$36.14 - $49.79/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator (Anaheim and Corona) Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. The Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator and Heavy Equipment Operator are the first and second levels, respectively, in a three-level heavy equipment operator series.

The Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator performs entry-level heavy equipment operator duties. The Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled-level heavy equipment operator duties and is distinguished from the Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator by the ability to operate most, if not all, heavy equipment at Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Prado. This position requires flexibility to work at both our Anaheim (FHQ) and Corona (Prado) locations.

Work assignments may be scheduled at either location based on operational needs. Examples of Duties The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Operates bulldozers to build dikes and levees, make roads or pads, level rivers, clean silt from banks, reshape slopes, and push material. Operates motor graders to make, level or smooth roads, and to perform weed abatement.

Operates rubber tire loaders and/or dump trucks to load trucks, fill sand plant hoppers, and haul materials. Operates backhoes to dig holes or trenches, clean trash racks, load and unload trucks, set pipes and pumps, and move or place rock or dirt. Operates heavy equipment scrapers to clean silt from percolation basins and holding ponds, cut roads, and haul material.

Assists in hauling heavy equipment from one location to another by loading, chaining equipment down and driving a pilot car. Heavy Equipment Operators may additionally operate low-bed trailers and semi-trucks. Operates water trucks to support road maintenance, dust control, and vegetation establishment.

Operates forklifts to load and unload trucks and to move items from place to place. Operates excavators to dig holes and trenches, removes material from ponds and channels. Operates mowing equipment to mow roads, levees, and slopes.

Loads and unloads trucks and moves heavy objects. Performs a variety of hand work including but not limited to, digging trenches by hand, turning valves, sweeping, weed whacking, painting, fish clean-up, washing trucks, etc. Maintains equipment and driver's log.

Handles job stress. Interacts effectively with others in the workplace. Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required. Coordinate with biologists and recognize vegetation habitat, nesting birds, and other animals. In addition to the duties described above, employees in these classifications may be asked to assist with wetlands operations, such as operating in heavy vegetation, spraying herbicide chemicals; operating a small boat with an outboard motor; supporting planting by operating and maintaining an irrigation system and water truck; placing and removing stop logs using a backhoe and manual effort; moving water control valves; removing and trimming trees using chainsaws, chippers, and other equipment.

Typical Qualifications The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Heavy equipment operating techniques, procedures, and maintenance (i.e. bulldozer, backhoe, etc.)

Methods used to tie down heavy equipment. Basic understanding of drainage systems. Applicable Federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Safe work practices. Basic construction. Ability and Skills in: Operating a piece of heavy equipment.

Tying down heavy equipment. Reading hydraulic gauges. Maintaining a variety of reports and records.

Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Assistant Heavy Equipment Operator Education/Training: High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree. Experience: General understanding of some heavy equipment operations, experience operating one or more pieces of heavy equipment is desirable; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Heavy Equipment Operator: Education/Training: High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree.

Experience: Two years of directly related heavy equipment operation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Licenses: Valid California Class "C" Driver's License. The Heavy Equipment Operator: Valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License with tank endorsement and with no transmission or airbrake restrictions within six (6) months of employment at the employee's sole expense.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Physical: Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally (80 pounds at Prado), and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently (40 pounds at Prado), and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, intense noises, and travel. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in a field setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate heavy equipment including use of hand tools, and other related equipment.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).

Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Supplemental Information LOCATION: This position requires flexibility to work at both our Anaheim (FHQ) and Corona (Prado) locations. Work assignments may be scheduled at either location based on operational needs.

Employees will generally be notified of their assigned work location at least one day in advance. In the event of a same-day reassignment, travel between sites will occur during paid work time using a company vehicle. Prado Wetlands: 14980 River Rd, Corona, CA 92880 Field Headquarters:4060 E.

La Palma Ave, CA 92807