1

Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Rutland, VT (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group - Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Dozer Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Turner Mining Group Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... heavy industry preferred * Working knowledge of safety systems and processes * Appropriate ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... heavy industry preferred * Working knowledge of safety systems and processes * Appropriate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Rutland, VT salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Rutland, VT is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.60 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 Rutland, VT?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rutland, VT are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rutland, VT?

For Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rutland, VT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rutland, VT are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Rutland, VT with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Rutland, VT 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 $50,529 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Local Heavy Equipment Operator

Florence, VT • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Casella Construction is seeking to hire a Local Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Transportation Team in Pittsford, Vermont. The Local Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment at multiple site locations, including loader operations at Omya and Middlebury Quarry, while also supporting CDL driving needs as required.
The person in this role is a self-motivated, professional Local Heavy Equipment Operator who wants to contribute to a team that embraces innovation and is an Industry leader.
Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate heavy equipment, including Caterpillar 980 loaders and Caterpillar 30-ton excavators
  • Serve as a swing operator to support full-time operator schedules, reduce overtime, and cover vacations
  • Learn and perform loader responsibilities at the Omya site, including:
    • Pushing and managing material piles
    • Maintaining a clean, level floor where trucks dump
    • Maintaining roads around material piles and keeping them free of potholes
    • Learning the Omya rock blend to properly feed the hopper
  • Learn and perform loader responsibilities at Middlebury Quarry, including:
    • Maintaining clean and organized inventory piles
    • Maintaining roads where equipment and trucks travel to reduce excessive wear on suspensions and tires
    • Learning the Middlebury rock blend to properly load trailers
  • Grease and perform routine care of assigned loaders
  • Maintain a clean and organized loader cab
  • Support the rotation of loaders to Pittsford for washing
  • Drive the loader from Omya to Pittsford for washing and return it to the site as needed
  • Operate Class A or Class B vehicles as needed to support the schedule and maintain full-time hours
  • Follow all company safety policies, site procedures, and equipment operating standards
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, drivers, and other team members
  • Training requirements, both in person and online, as needed or required

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Proven experience operating Caterpillar 980 loaders
  • Experience operating Caterpillar 30-ton excavators
  • Must have experience with Caterpillar controls
  • Current and valid CDL Class A or Class B license preffered
  • Ability to operate Class A and/or Class B vehicles as assigned
  • Ability to work across multiple site locations, including Omya and Middlebury Quarry
  • Ability to learn different site-specific rock blends and loader responsibilities
  • Prior quarry, aggregate, construction, or material-handling experience preferred
  • Ability to workday shift, generally 10-hour shifts, with varying start times depending on site assignment
  • Typical start time is approximately 5:00 a.m.
  • Strong commitment to safety, equipment care, and teamwork

Attributes:
  • Safety-focused and dependable
  • Flexible and willing to support multiple sites and schedules
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
  • Team-oriented and willing to help reduce overtime across the crew
  • Strong attention to detail when maintaining roads, piles, floors, and equipment
  • Able to learn and follow site-specific procedures
  • Good communication skills
  • Takes pride in maintaining clean, well-cared-for equipment
  • Comfortable working in an active quarry/material production environment

Compensation and Benefits:
Casella Construction offers competitive wages and a full benefits package to eligible employees that includes:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
  • Voluntary Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Program with up-to 4% company match and immediate vesting

Hourly Hiring Range: $25.00/hr. - $28.00/hr.
This range reflects the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting, considering current market conditions and industry benchmarks.
Final and individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.
About our Company:
Joseph Casella and John Casella II are the second generation of the Casella family, carrying on a legacy that was built on hard work, grit, determination, and most of all, innovation. Together with a team equally committed to exemplifying the highest industry standards, and reinventing systems to create effective solutions when old methods no longer serve new thinking, Casella Construction has evolved to become an industry-leading company in the field.
Our strength is in our team, who we continue to invest in and depend on to help expand critical areas of our business, including heavy highway construction, demolition, utility installation, environmental contracting, commercial site development, land management, aggregate, transportation, and fleet maintenance.
Casella Construction's success is attributed to our employees' love of the industry, our leadership's drive to remain at the forefront of technology and environmental stewardship, and our collective ability to thrive in dynamic situations.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.