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

Excavator Operator

Hamlet, NC · 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 ...

Dozer Operator Ferroglobe is one of the world's leading suppliers of silicon metal, silicon-based ... Equipment Operation: Operate dozers and other heavy equipment in a safe, efficient manner to move ...

Dozer Operator

Wallace, SC · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Who we are What you will do As a Dozer Operator at Ferroglobe USA Quartz, you will play a vital ... Equipment Operation: Operate dozers and other heavy equipment in a safe, efficient manner to move ...

Who we are What you will do As a Dozer Operator at Ferroglobe USA Quartz, you will play a vital ... Equipment Operation: Operate dozers and other heavy equipment in a safe, efficient manner to move ...

Laborers - Heavy Grade Division

Aberdeen, NC

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery ... Heavy Highway, erosion control experience and ability to check grade is a plus. * Candidate must be ...

... an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators on heavy civil and ...

Excavator Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators on heavy civil and ...

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway ...

... Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway ...

... Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview

Thank you for your interest in FlatironDragados! Please make sure you visit our US Open Office.

Employment applications will be available at the front and a drop box will be available in the lobby for you to submit your application.  Our office is located at 2656 NC-5, Aberdeen, NC 28315. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. 

What you will be doing

The Dozer Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of bulldozers on heavy civil highway construction projects. This role requires experience with mass grading, fine grading, and the effective use of GPS machine control systems to achieve design grades. The operator works closely with supervisors, grade checkers, and other equipment operators to maintain production, accuracy, and safety.

  • Operate dozers for rough and finish grading, embankment work, subgrade, and roadway construction
  • Use GPS machine control systems (Topcon, Trimble, or similar) to accurately cut and fill to design grades
  • Read and interpret plans, profiles, and cross-sections
  • Work from digital models, stakes, and grade checks as required
  • Maintain proper slopes, drainage, and tolerances per project requirements
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
  • Identify grade discrepancies, model issues, or field conflicts and report them to supervision
  • Cleans and maintains equipment, making basic repairs as necessary.
  • Moves levers, pushes pedals, or turn valves to control equipment. Drives and maneuver equipment.
  • Coordinates machine actions with crew members using hand or audio signals.
  • Maintains knowledge of Company's values and strategic plan.
  • Performs additional assignments per management's direction.
What we are looking for
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Experience with construction equipment preferred.
  • Previous experience as a Dozer Operator on heavy civil or highway projects is a plus
  • GPS-equipped dozer experience strongly preferred
  • Proficient in operating bulldozers in a heavy civil or highway environment
  • Strong working knowledge of GPS machine control and its effective use in production grading
  • Understanding of cut/fill concepts, slopes, and roadway geometry
  • Ability to read and understand construction plans and digital models
Why work for us

Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are:

  • Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program
  • Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP
  • Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vision and/or Provincial Medical
  • Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

We are an EEO/ADA/Veterans employer.

Salary MinUSD $22.00/Hr.Salary MaxUSD $31.00/Hr.Employment Type: OTHER