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

The heavy equipment operator's duties include preparing and manipulating heavy equipment to ensure the appropriate movement of materials and liaising with coworkers to ensure that the projects are ...

The Shear Operator is responsible for the safe operation of metal processing equipment. Must have experience to be considered for this position Operating hydraulic, mechanical, or shearing equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to support excavation, spoil removal, and general construction activities within the turnkey concrete scope ...

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to support excavation, spoil removal, and general construction activities within the turnkey concrete scope ...

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA

$18.25 - $25/hr

SPATCO is looking for an energetic Heavy Equipment Operator/Installer for EV Installation to join our team . This person will operate heavy equipment, assist in the installation of EV installation ...

Intermodal Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$19.47 - $22.57/hr

Operate heavy equipment to load and unload shipping containers from railcars and trucks. * Drive ... Previous experience operating heavy equipment or machinery in a logistics or industrial environment ...

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Our service and field teams not only perform routine and heavy maintenance but they also ensure ... SPATCO is looking for an energetic Heavy Equipment Operator/Installer for EV Installation to join ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Decatur, GA is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.30 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 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.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,162 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Materials Operator

SA Recycling

East Point, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

We are looking for a reliable and safety-minded Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. You will be responsible for operating machinery such as the Sennebogen 835m or Doosan 300 LC excavator, equipped with a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane. Your role will focus on safely and efficiently sorting, loading, unloading, and moving scrap metal and debris within the work area. This position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, and strict adherence to SA Recycling's health, safety, and environmental standards is mandatory

Responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Materials Operator

  • Basic sorting of scrap, as well as metal and debris in preparation for processing.
  • Provide a safe environment for all employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Operate heavy machines to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris in preparation for processing.
  • Perform daily inspections on equipment reporting any defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
  • Determine load weights and verify against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Qualifications of a Heavy Equipment Materials Operator

  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience.
  • Must pass a required Background, Drug screen and pre employment physical.
  • Experience in the operation of a Caterpillar, excavator Sennebogen, Grapple. 
  • Previous Hydraulic Crane experience preferred.
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) a plus.
  • Ability to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.
  • Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.

SA Recycling offers:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive benefits including affordable medical options, dental and vision care
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Company provided uniforms and PPE

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified). 

All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.


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