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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Rhinelander, WI

Machinist V

Birch, WI · On-site

$32.50 - $44.60/hr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... operating heavy machinery including forklifts. Functional Knowledge * Has comprehensive ...

Trimmer Trainee 1st-Union

Minocqua, WI

$16 - $20/hr

Sprays areas with equipment to prevent further growth. * Loads/unloads trucks. * Feeds brush & debris into a woodchipper. * Repairs minor job-related damage to lawns, fences, and walkways. * Services ...

Protective personal equipment is provided, or cost of purchase is reimbursed * On the job training RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform and document required safety checks on cranes, tools, and testing ...

General Laborer - Midwest

Irma, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The General Laborer is responsible for cleanliness of job site, performing general maintenance on equipment and loading and unloading materials, tools and equipment. PUSH, Inc. is a privately owned ...

General Laborer - Midwest

Irma, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The General Laborer is responsible for cleanliness of job site, performing general maintenance on equipment and loading and unloading materials, tools and equipment. PUSH, Inc. is a privately owned ...

General Laborer - Midwest

Eagle River, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

The General Laborer is responsible for cleanliness of job site, performing general maintenance on equipment and loading and unloading materials, tools and equipment. PUSH, Inc. is a privately owned ...

Showing results 41-58

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Rhinelander, WI salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Rhinelander, WI is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 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 Rhinelander, WI? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rhinelander, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rhinelander, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rhinelander, WI are:
What cities near Rhinelander, WI are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Rhinelander, WI with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Rhinelander, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,203 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Goodwill NCW rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

438th of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Who We Are:
Goodwill NCW is a nonprofit organization with 28 retail stores across north-central Wisconsin. We are proud of the life-transforming impact we make in our communities and to our planet with the help of our donors and shoppers. Together, we bring our values to life, power our mission of elevating people by eliminating barriers to employment and transform lives through skill building for sustained employment and improved financial stability. Our unwavering commitment to addressing the unique needs of our communities drives us to continuously evolve.
What You'll Get To Do:
  • Greets and assists donors in a prompt and friendly manner to safely unload donations from vehicles and uses team lifts as needed.
  • Maintains accurate daily counts of donations.
  • Safely loads/unloads trailers.
  • Operates power equipment (stacker and power pallet jack, tilt master, compactor, tipper and forklift).
  • Maintains a clean, safe, and organized backroom area; completes checklists and assists with general cleaning tasks, including the donation drop-off lane.
  • Sorts donations into correct categories.
  • Replaces and labels full gaylords, assists with building and breaking them down, and prepares them for transport.
  • Adheres to proper operation of pallet jack and compactor (if 18 years or older and trained/checked off).
  • Other duties as assigned.

What We Need From You:
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills and the ability to work through multiple tasks simultaneously under time constraints.
  • Excellent communication, customer service and attention to detail.
  • Experience operating power equipment preferred.
  • Basic math skills required.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Experience with computers or a willingness and ability to learn.
  • Reliable transportation and ability to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, evenings, and weekends, with regular and timely attendance in accordance with the assigned work schedule.

Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the key functions of this job. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work is performed primarily in a standard retail backroom or warehouse environment with extensive team member contact and frequent interruptions.
  • Primary function requires sufficient physical ability to repetitively:
  • Stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours).
  • Independently twist, lift, carry, push or pull moderate (10 pounds) to heavy (25 pounds) of weight; using a team lift for objects weighing over 25 pounds.
  • Reach (approximately 54 inches).
  • Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch.
  • Sufficient hand and finger dexterity to perform detailed tasks.
  • Verbally communicate to exchange information.

What Goodwill NCW employees say

Pay

Benefits

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