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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material ...

Job Type Full-time Description POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a ...

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator - TEMP TO PERM AFTER 90 DAYS!! DOZER OPERATORS AND EXCAVATOR OPERATOR** RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS: ยท Must comply with company, state and governmental health and safety ...

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

Cargo Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Primary job duties include operating various types of heavy lift equipment for the Huntsville International Airport Intermodal Center. Equipment includes locomotives, railcars, tractor-trailer ...

Cargo Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Primary job duties include operating various types of heavy lift equipment for the Huntsville International Airport Intermodal Center. Equipment includes locomotives, railcars, tractor-trailer ...

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Decatur, AL is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.24 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

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

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,244 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Athens, AL โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material handlers, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other pieces of heavy or light equipment. Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading and unloading trucks, and moving materials safely about the yard. This position requires attention to detail and a strong emphasis on safety.

ABOUT HARMON SCRAP METAL

We are Harmon Scrap Metal, we recycle by processing scrap metal, and we are growing by the day. Our mission is to empower people to recycle the past to impact the future. We are intentional and disciplined in our pursuit to see every team member reach their personal, professional, and financial goals through the work we do together. Our core values, Discipline, Trust, Accountability, Alignment, and Adaptability and Safety are the backbone of our business. They guide our hiring process and daily operations. We are transparent and results-oriented in all we do.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

  • Properly follow company and OSHA safety procedures; attend safety meetings and participate in safety program
  • Operate heavy equipment of various sizes, including material handler, loaders, skid steers, etc.
  • Duties include but are not limited to loading scrap into trailers, unloading vehicles, moving material throughout the yard, loading trucks
  • Perform daily pre-operation inspections on equipment, reporting any defects or needed repairs via CRMM app
  • Keep grounds clear of debris while maintaining safety standards
  • General labor duties that may include but not limited to sweeping, shoveling and general clean-up of any area and/or equipment throughout the yard
  • Effectively communicate over radio with teammates and truck drivers for traffic coordination, production, and safety procedures
  • Attend and participate in internal meetings and complete required training
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by management

BENEFITS

  • Company Paid Life Insurance, STD, Employee Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO Program
  • Professional Training & Development Opportunities

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Harmon Scrap Metal recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to careers@harmonscrapmetal.com.

Disclaimer: The sorting and processing of scrap metals involves using permanent magnets and electromagnets, creating magnetic fields, which can interfere with electronic medical devices like cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators.

Requirements:

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Thorough understanding of practices involved in the use of various types of light and heavy equipment
  • Thorough understanding of maintenance and basic upkeep associated with light and heavy equipment
  • Thorough understanding of safety protocols and ability to safely operate machinery
  • Superior skill operating assigned equipment safely and efficiently
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety manuals and procedure manuals

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • 2 years of experience using a front-end loader, skid steer or scrap handler in an industrial/outdoor work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles
  • Ability to operate equipment under varying working conditions
  • Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Sit for extended periods, up to 15 feet from ground level
  • Ability to lift, push, or pull a minimum of 50 pounds
  • Frequently climb up and down ladders; crouch and bend at the knee; stoop or bend at the waist; reach arms overhead; and twist and turn at the neck and trunk
  • Continually handle and grasp levers and dials; continuous leg and foot motion when using pedals
  • Work environment involves frequent and/or regular exposure to natural and unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises
  • Walk frequently on uneven surfaces