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

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Raeford, NC ยท On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Description " Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits ...

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Rockingham, NC ยท On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Description " Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits ...

Grading Operator

Aberdeen, NC ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other structures * Cleans and ...

Operating an excavator to perform rough grade, slope work, borrow and excavating operations on ... Being versatile in other types of heavy equipment is a plus. * Job entails being very productive in ...

Grading Operator

Aberdeen, NC ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other ...

Jarraff Operator - Hamlet, NC

Hamlet, NC ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

The Jarraff Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Always follow and help enforce safe practices and ...

The Jarraff Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Always follow and help enforce safe practices and ...

High School Diploma or GED * 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment operating in an industrial setting is required * Possession of a current valid driver's license * Knowledge of proper operation ...

Excavator Operator

Hamlet, NC ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Summary Under the supervision of a foreman/lead, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, dozers, skid steer loaders, track loaders ...

Excavator Operator

Hamlet, NC ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Summary Under the supervision of a foreman/lead, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, dozers, skid steer loaders, track loaders ...

Excavator Operator

Hamlet, NC ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Summary Under the supervision of a foreman/lead, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, dozers, skid steer loaders, track loaders ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Rockingham, NC is $19.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $22.64 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 Rockingham, NC?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rockingham, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rockingham, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rockingham, NC look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Rockingham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,530 per year, or $20 per hour.

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Trees, LLC

Raeford, NC โ€ข On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description
"
Equipment Operator
This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines.
Pay: Competitive, Hourly
Benefits:
  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Operates and services equipment such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, mower deck, weed whacker, chipper, and sprayers.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Uses hand-tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners and other equipment as required.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production.
  • Performs all aspects of labor as necessary to keep crew operation flowing.
  • Ensures the overall safety, quality and production requirements of the crew are met.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on property.
  • Arranges with customer or property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains work to be done, etc.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective accomplishment of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public.
  • Trains new personnel.
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possesses working knowledge and be able to identify tree and shrub species.
  • Familiar with electrical hazards.

Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:
  • Driver License Required.

Travel Requirements:
  • Must have transportation to and from the show up location.

Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): sitting, kneeling, crawling, color vision, climbing stairs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, squatting, climbing on/off truck, reading, pushing, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, body twisting, manual dexterity, speaking clearly, hearing-speech range, lifting, carrying, pulling, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): standing, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., seeing, reaching, range of motion, depth perception.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
"
Important Information for Applicants:
  • Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and its family of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
  • If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 1-800-248-8733, ext. 3656.
  • Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which include background screening, drug testing, and employment eligibility verification.
  • Compensation determination is based on market data, job scope and individual qualifications.
  • We offer a competitive total rewards package inclusive of health and welfare and retirement benefits, as well as paid time off and holiday pay benefits.
  • Unsolicited resumes without an executed agency agreement become the property of the company.