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Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) and construction-type machinery in support of Army equipment turn-in operations. This role ...

State Tractor

Heavy Equipment Operator

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

State Tractor Trucking is seeking an experienced Excavator Heavy Equipment Operator Hours Monday - Friday - Day shift Starting pay $30 an hour (depending on experience) Overtime available Details ...

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator AMAT Overland Park, Kansas, United States Job ID: 528048 APAC- Inc., Kansas City, is a CRH company. CRH is the leading vertically integrated supplier of asphalt, aggregates ...

State Tractor

Heavy Equipment Operator

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$30/hr

State Tractor Trucking is seeking an experienced Excavator Heavy Equipment Operator Hours Monday - Friday - Day shift Starting pay $30 an hour (depending on experience) Overtime available Details ...

Bettis Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment on a construction jobsite in a safe manner. The Equipment Operator must complete prestart checks, assist with fluid ...

Bettis Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment on a construction jobsite in a safe manner. The Equipment Operator must complete prestart checks, assist with fluid ...

Martin Marietta

Heavy Equipment Operator

Eudora, KS

$23 - $26/hr

Martin Marietta is currently looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Eudora Quarry in Eudora, KS. This position is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to move material within the ...

Martin Marietta

Heavy Equipment Operator

Eudora, KS

Martin Marietta is currently looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Eudora Quarry in Eudora, KS. This position is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to move material within the ...

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Join APAC as a Quarry Heavy Equipment Operator and become part of a supportive team with the resources of a large corporation and the close-knit atmosphere of a family business. Take your career to ...

Bettis Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment on a construction jobsite in a safe manner. The Equipment Operator must complete prestart checks, assist with fluid ...

Waste Connections

Heavy Equipment Operator

Harper, KS · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Plum Thicket Landfill , a Waste Connections company, is looking for a safety conscience Heavy Equipment Operator to join our GROWING team in Harper, Kansas. Pay: $22 - $24 per hour, based on your ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Trainee JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$21

$30

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator trainee in Kansas is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a heavy equipment operator trainee do?

A Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee learns to operate machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes under the supervision of experienced operators. Their responsibilities include assisting with equipment maintenance, understanding safety protocols, and gaining hands-on practice with different types of heavy machinery. Trainees typically receive both classroom instruction and on-the-job training to develop their skills and prepare for certification or full operator roles.

What does the typical training process look like for a heavy equipment operator trainee, and how is on-the-job learning structured?

As a Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, you can expect a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training under the supervision of experienced operators. The initial weeks often focus on safety protocols, equipment maintenance basics, and learning to operate various machines in controlled environments. You'll gradually move to more complex tasks and real job sites, where you'll shadow seasoned operators and receive regular feedback on your performance. Training is typically structured to build your confidence and technical skills progressively, ensuring readiness for independent operation and advancement within the team.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and the use of GPS or telematics systems, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications, are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are vital soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and contribute to a productive and accident-free work environment.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator TraineeHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma and basic safety trainingRequires completion of training, certifications, and experience
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training sites, construction, and industrial sitesSame as trainee, with more independence and responsibility
Employer UsageEntry-level position for training and skill developmentSkilled worker operating heavy machinery independently

In summary, a Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee is in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Heavy Equipment Operator is a fully qualified worker with experience and independence in operating machinery.

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

To become a heavy equipment operator trainee with no experience, focus on obtaining a high school diploma or GED, complete basic safety and equipment operation training, and consider enrolling in a vocational or technical program related to construction or heavy equipment. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships, volunteering, or entry-level positions can also improve your chances of securing a trainee role.

How to start out as a heavy equipment operator trainee?

To start as a heavy equipment operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship program. Gaining familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, along with obtaining relevant certifications like OSHA safety training, can improve job prospects.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas are:

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,994 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Crossland Heavy Contractors

Junction City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Get to Know Us:
If you are looking for a career in construction then you've come to the right place!
Crossland Construction is a leader in the industry and we are growing-right here in the Midwest-with opportunities for hard working, dedicated men and women to join our team. Crossland works year round and offers top pay, great benefits including health and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, paid time off, paid education to allow you to move up, and much more! You would join a team of people with a passion for construction who love to build and who know that their hard work will pay off.
Whether you have several years of experience under your belt or you are new in the industry you can have a career at Crossland!
Crossland Benefits:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401 (k) retirement plan with guaranteed match
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay
  • Paid education opportunities

Job Qualifications:
We are currently accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operators for Junction City, KS. Candidates for Heavy Equipment Operator must have at least 3-5 years of experience on bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, scrapers and graders. Must have own transportation, be highly motivated, and willing to travel. Drug screen, physical and criminal background check are required of successful candidates.
Essential Responsibilities:
Performs any combination of the following duties on construction projects, usually working in a utility capacity and by transferring from one task to another.
Activities included but not limited to:
*Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers and backhoes.
*Operate routinely used tools and equipment
*Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
*Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers
*Complete required paperwork, forms and records as required
*Coordinate machine actions with crew members in response to hand or audio signals
*Ability to work without close supervision once directed on task
*Obeys and follows all safety rules on the job site and encourages others to do the same
*Maintains a good relationship with co-workers and works well with others to accomplish a task.
*Must have water, sewer and drain experience
Physical demands of this position include lifting up to 70 pounds occasionally; 40-50 pounds frequently and carrying same along with constant sitting, grasping and reaching, frequent climbing, walking and standing. Must be able to work year-round outdoors and travel as needed.
EOE/M/F/D/V
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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