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Heavy Equipment Operators Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Clinton, TN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Equipment Operator

Clinton, TN · Remote

$25 - $32/hr

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$22 - $28/hr

Adams Contracting, LLC is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our Project Superintendent in delivering top-notch heavy, highway, and civil construction projects across Tennessee and ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Equipment Operators information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do heavy equipment operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operators in Oak Ridge, TN is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operators vs Crane Operators?

AspectHeavy Equipment OperatorsCrane Operators
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, roadworkConstruction sites, industrial settings, shipping yards
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, agricultureConstruction, shipping, manufacturing

Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators both require specialized certifications and work in construction-related environments. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle machinery like bulldozers and excavators, Crane Operators focus on operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial projects, but they differ in equipment specialization and work tasks.

How much do heavy equipment operators make?

Heavy equipment operators in South Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications in equipment like bulldozers or cranes may earn higher wages, especially in construction and infrastructure projects.

Which heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators often earn the highest wages, especially when working on large infrastructure projects or in remote locations. Certifications, experience, and working with complex machinery can also increase earning potential. Generally, operators with skills in multiple equipment types and those working overtime or hazardous environments tend to have higher pay rates.

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operators jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Heavy Equipment Operators job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operators job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,161 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Class B

Vulcan Materials Company

Maryville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Vulcan Materials rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

323rd of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description


Job Summary
This position involves operating various types of heavy equipment on heavy highway construction projects. The ideal candidate possesses expertise in operating specific construction equipment. Must have a strong understanding of safety protocols, and the ability to work effectively within a team environment. Candidate must be able to safely and efficiently operate heavy mobile equipment on highway construction sites, such as backhoe, bulldozer, front end loader, grader (rough) scraper. In such assignments, the incumbent will remain seated, operating the equipment for extended periods of time.
Essential Functions
• Perform duties safely, responsibly and proficiently observing all safety and health rules.
• Employee is expected to operate equipment unit with a high degree of competence, skill and proficiency.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections and complete daily equipment reports.
• Report unsafe mechanical conditions to shop foreman and supervisor.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices on equipment.
• Assist with equipment routine preventative maintenance.
• Expected to operate equipment with a high degree of competence, skill and proficiency.
Critical Competencies
• Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, while actively listening and adapting the message to the audience.
• Team Player - Works cooperatively and effectively with team members to achieve shared goals, willingly assisting others and fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• Safety Awareness - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
• Personal Accountability - Honoring your commitments to yourself and others. Acknowledging and correcting your own mistakes. Taking full ownership to address and fix problems vs. deflecting blame to others.
• Work Ethic - Committed to high-quality work, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and personal responsibility in fulfilling job duties.
• Self-Development - Take initiative in continuously improving one's skills, knowledge, and effectiveness to enhance performance and growth.
• Personal Accountability - Honoring your commitments to yourself and others. Acknowledging and correcting your own mistakes. Taking full ownership to address and fix problems vs. deflecting blame to others.
Responsibilities
Education
• High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent.
Experience
• Minimum experience of 3 plus years of operating heavy mobile equipment in the following environments of mining, heavy civil, and highway constructions jobs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Comply with all SHE and other company policies, procedures and requirements.
• Follow established traffic patterns avoiding road hazards and other hazardous conditions.
• Perform duties safely, responsibly, and proficiently, observing all safety and health rules.
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
Other Requirements
• Must be able to work required overtime and flexible work schedule.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule and customer needs require.
• Must be able to speak, read, and have a working knowledge of the English language.
• Will work outdoors and exposed to varying and/or extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat, wet, cold, etc)
• May work in high and/or precarious places or cramped work space that requires getting into awkward positions.
• Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat crawl, or pull, push, as well as, bend and lift 45 pounds
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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