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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dragados

Heavy Equipment Operator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is primarily responsible for operating heavy equipment to load and remove dirt and other material onto trucks or conveyors. May also operator other heavy equipment as ...

HRSD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$52K - $68K/yr

Description Job Title Heavy Equipment Operator Location Newport News, VA, US Organization Name Interceptor Operations Work Schedule and Other Information Monday through Thursday, 5:30am - 4:00pm.

New

Inlet Construction

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment on construction sites and other ...

Core Contractors, LLC.

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator: Responsibilities Include: * Operating Heavy Equipment for various Land Development & Site Contracting projects. * Utilize Heavy Equipment for building various land ...

New

Core Contractors, LLC.

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator: Responsibilities Include: * Operating Heavy Equipment for various Land Development & Site Contracting projects. * Utilize Heavy Equipment for building various land ...

New

D H Griffin

Heavy Equipment Operator

South Boston, VA · On-site

As part of a dedicated team, Heavy Equipment Operators play a vital role in delivering high-quality infrastructure projects. The company values safety, teamwork, and professional growth, offering a ...

C&I Staffing

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator (Cat 329) to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating excavators for trenching duck banks. Pay ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Virginia is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, as well as safety protocols and GPS or telematics systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, minimizing risk and maximizing productivity on job sites.

What are common challenges heavy equipment operators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, operating machinery on uneven or unstable terrain, and managing tight project deadlines. Safety is a top priority, so operators must be vigilant and adhere to strict protocols to prevent accidents. Many employers provide ongoing training, regular safety briefings, and support from supervisors to help operators tackle these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, OSHA safety certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, roadwork, heavy machineryConstruction sites, industrial settings, operating cranes
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction, shipping yards, industrial facilities

Both Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators work in construction and industrial environments, requiring safety certifications. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle various machinery like bulldozers and loaders, Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Their roles often overlap in construction projects, but each requires specific skills and certifications tailored to their equipment.

Which heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized fields such as mining, oil and gas, or demolition tend to earn the highest wages due to the complexity and risks involved. Certifications like NCCCO and experience with advanced machinery can also lead to higher-paying opportunities, especially in remote or high-demand areas.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator jobs

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

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

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

Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,906 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Montpelier, VA • On-site

Turner Mining Group
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Turner Mining Groupexternal

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Company: Turner Staffing Group

Location: Montpelier, Virginia

Position Type: Full-Time

About Us: Turner Staffing Group, in collaboration with our esteemed mining partner in Montpelier, Virginia, is actively seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to join our dynamic team. As a leading force in the mining industry, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and innovation.

Job Overview: We are looking for skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operators to contribute to the success of our mining operations. The ideal candidates will have hands-on experience operating a variety of heavy equipment, ensuring the efficient and safe extraction of minerals from the site.

Responsibilities:

  1. Equipment Operation:
    • Safely operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and haul trucks.
    • Execute tasks such as grading, digging, loading, and transporting materials as per project requirements.
  2. Safety Compliance:
    • Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a secure work environment.
    • Conduct routine equipment inspections and report any issues promptly.
  3. Efficiency and Productivity:
    • Work collaboratively with the mining team to optimize workflow and maximize production efficiency.
    • Meet project deadlines and production targets while maintaining high-quality standards.
  4. Communication:
    • Effectively communicate with supervisors, colleagues, and other team members to ensure seamless project coordination.
    • Report any operational challenges or concerns in a timely manner.
  5. Maintenance Support:
    • Collaborate with the maintenance team to facilitate regular equipment maintenance and repairs.
    • Assist in troubleshooting equipment issues and participate in scheduled maintenance activities.

Requirements:

  • Proven experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator in a mining or similar industry.
  • Familiarity with safety regulations and commitment to safe work practices.
  • Ability to operate various heavy equipment efficiently and skillfully.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Education and Certifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Relevant certifications for heavy equipment operation.
  • MSHA experience preferred. 

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan