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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

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 ...

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

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 ...

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

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 ...

Pike Corporation

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. This position works at various locations. The position may also be required to travel to another ...

S.T. Wooten

Heavy Equipment Operator - Dozer

Apex, NC · On-site

Candidate must have experience operating a bulldozer to fine grade. * Experience on multiple types of heavy equipment a plus. * Must have good work ethic and be dependable. * Must be able to work ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Raleigh, NC is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.12 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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For Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,365 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Meridian Waste

Wendell, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Meridian Waste rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 91 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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