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Heavy Equipment Operator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Equipment Operator Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 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 Raleigh, NC are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Meridian Waste

Wendell, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Meridian Waste rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Summary:

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, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rear-view camera are clean.
  • Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.
  • Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair.
  • Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
  • Follow and comply with all safety policies.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/ and or Experience:

  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company’s safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
  • Experience in the Solid Waste Industry preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Lifting (50-100 pounds), outside environment
 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Outdoors

In addition to the above, the performance of other related duties may be required.

I have read and understand the contents of the above job description.


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