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Heavy Equipment Operator Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

This role is responsible for the safe operation of light and heavy construction equipment ... As an Equipment Operator, your primary daily responsibilities of this role include, but are not ...

Equipment Operator

Rockwood, TN

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Equipment Operator

Rockwood, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Equipment Operator - Lawrenceburg

Knoxville, TN

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

We are seeking a skilled Construction Equipment Operator to join Amteck in Lawrenceburg, KY. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining various electrical construction equipment at job ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Heavy Maintenance/ Construction equipment maintenance. Basic administration computer skills.

CIPP Operator

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

This position is ideal for candidates with experience operating pumps, generators, vacuum systems, heavy equipment, or construction machinery. CIPP experience is preferred but not required. Training ...

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Proven experience operating hydrovac trucks or similar heavy equipment in a construction or utility environment. * Strong understanding of underground utility safety practices and excavation ...

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Proven experience operating hydrovac trucks or similar heavy equipment in a construction or utility environment. * Strong understanding of underground utility safety practices and excavation ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Equipment Operator Operator information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$13

$22

$32

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator operator in Oak Ridge, TN is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into a heavy equipment operator?

To become a heavy equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship program to learn how to operate machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. Many employers require certification from recognized organizations and a valid driver's license; physical fitness and safety awareness are also important for working in construction environments.

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 cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,161 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator

The Christman Company

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


The Christman Company rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Christman Mid Atlantic Constructors, LLC
Job Description:
Build More with Your Career at Christman Southeast Constructors
With projects throughout the southeast, Christman Southeast Constructors (CSEC) is a great place to begin, continue or grow your career. We're searching for the next generation of innovative minds who want to shape the world and live to build. CSEC is looking for an Equipment Operator in our Knoxville, Tennessee region. This role is responsible for the safe operation of light and heavy construction equipment, including but not limited to excavators, telescopic boom forklifts, and skid loaders.
What You Will Do:
As an Equipment Operator, your primary daily responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
  • Operates all equipment in a safe and appropriate manner to mitigate risk of injury and property damage.
  • Drives and controls equipment to complete tasks at the specified location.
  • Collaborates with internal and external partners to prepare job sites for assigned equipment activities.
  • Conducts constant surveillance of surroundings before and during the operation of all equipment to ensure safe ground and slope conditions; maintains adequate distance between other equipment, people, and structures in the immediate work area.
  • Performs daily pre-inspection of equipment to ensure it is safe and fit for duty, and conducts ongoing maintenance checks.
  • Addresses any equipment issues or concerns immediately with assigned supervisor.
  • Loads and unloads equipment from vehicles used to transport it.
  • Promptly notifies assigned supervisor of any maintenance needs.
  • May remain stationary in the seat or operating area for prolonged periods.
  • Completes required reports and other paperwork related to equipment use.
  • Troubleshoots basic equipment issues and escalates issues as appropriate.
  • Communicates clearly through phone or radio, visible verbal, and nonverbal hand signals.
  • May assist in lifting, positioning, and securing materials and work pieces during installation.
  • Complies with federal and state regulations, and company policies and procedures.
  • Completes assigned and required training for this role.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The majority of work is completed outside at the construction site. The position is often exposed to sounds and loud noises, such as construction equipment. Protective equipment is required when on the construction site, including but not limited to hardhats, safety glasses, and high visibility clothing. Temperatures and conditions may vary depending on the weather and seasons.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to talk, hear, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, operate a computer, cell phone and telephone. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds.
Expected Hours of Work: Full time position. Extended hours and weekends may apply.
Travel: Travel to and from the construction site is required, majority of the work will be done at the site. Most of the travel will be local, but some long distance and overnight travel may be required depending on the project.
What You Will Bring to the Team:
Required experience, knowledge, and skills for this role include:
  • High school diploma or its equivalent
  • Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of equipment operating experience in a construction environment, including one (1) to three (3) years of excavation experience.
  • -or- Equivalent combination of the above education, training, and experience.

Preferred experience, knowledge, and skills for this role include:
  • Valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
  • 40-hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher
  • OSHA 30-hour training, and First Aid/CPR certification.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Knowledge in OSHA regulations regarding excavation methods and practices.
  • Able to perform duties while using required PPE.
  • Able to read and properly interpret load charts for associated equipment, and manufacturer approved attachments.
  • Able to perform duties while working in all safe outdoor weather conditions.

The Christman family of companies is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.As part of our company policy, this position requires successful completion of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to drug and background screening.
Notice to Recruiting Agencies (Unsolicited Resumes): The Christman Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our applicant tracking system, website, or to any Christman employee/affiliates. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Christman employees or its' affiliates will be considered property of The Christman Company and will be processed accordingly. Christman will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume without an executed agreement and assigned to a specific search.

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