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Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Comrise

Heavy Machinery Operator

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Heavy Machinery Operator Location: Morgan Hill, CA (On-site) Pay Rate: $45.00 / Hourly Employment Type: Full-time Contract (Usually 30+ hours/week) About the Role Comrise is helping our client find ...

TerralRiver Service

The Loading and Heavy Machinery Operator is responsible for the unloading of various aggregates and other materials from barge to truck. Must possess skills in organization, time management ...

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

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Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA

Heavy Machine Operator Job Overview The Heavy Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and ... Operates and maintains heavy machinery for timber removal operations, ensuring it functions ...

Grit One

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Production & Heavy Machinery Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

Equipment Operated: * -Material Loader * -Heavy machinery * -Sennibogan * -Wheel Loader * -Pneumatic Hoppers * -Blending System * -Wheel Bobcat * -Other Hoppers * -Conveyors * -Field Unloader Who ...

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

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Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA

Heavy Machine Operator Job Overview The Heavy Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and ... Operates and maintains heavy machinery for timber removal operations, ensuring it functions ...

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How much do heavy machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy machinery operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Machinery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Machinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of operating various construction equipment, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with specialized training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and GPS machine control systems is often required, along with OSHA safety certifications. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work efficiently and safely within team environments. These competencies are vital to ensure safe operation, prevent accidents, and maintain productivity on job sites.

What are some common challenges Heavy Machinery Operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Heavy Machinery Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety in dynamic construction environments. To address these issues, operators are encouraged to stay current with safety training, perform regular equipment inspections, and communicate proactively with site supervisors and team members. Building strong situational awareness and adhering to established safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations.

What are Heavy Machinery Operators?

Heavy Machinery Operators are skilled professionals who operate large equipment and machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. They are responsible for safely maneuvering equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders to move earth, materials, or perform other tasks. These operators must be trained to handle complex controls, follow safety protocols, and maintain their machinery. Their work is essential for the completion of large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

What is the difference between Heavy Machinery Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Machinery OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), certifications for specific machineryBasic operator certifications, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, heavy industryConstruction, landscaping, industrial sites
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructure projectsGeneral construction, material handling

Heavy Machinery Operators typically handle large equipment like bulldozers and excavators in heavy industry settings, requiring specialized certifications. Equipment Operators may work with smaller or different machinery in various construction or industrial environments. While overlapping in skills, Heavy Machinery Operators focus on large-scale equipment in demanding settings, whereas Equipment Operators often work with a broader range of machinery in less intensive roles.

More about Heavy Machinery Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Machinery Operator job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Machinery Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Machinery Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs are:
Heavy Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Heavy Machinery Operator

Heavy Machinery Operator

Comrise

Morgan Hill, CA • On-site

$45/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Heavy Machinery Operator 

Location: Morgan Hill, CA (On-site) 

Pay Rate: $45.00 / Hourly 

Employment Type: Full-time Contract (Usually 30+ hours/week) 

About the Role

Comrise is helping our client find Heavy Machinery Operators to support the safe operation and testing of large-scale mining vehicles. In this role, you will operate 20-ton vehicles, perform inspections, and provide critical feedback to engineering teams to improve autonomous system functionality and reliability.

Work Schedule

This role features a unique, alternating shift structure consisting of 12-hour shifts:

  • Week 1: 3 days on / 4 days off.
  • Week 2: 4 days on / 3 days off.
  • Note: Candidates may train in Sunnyvale, CA, for the first week before transitioning to the Morgan Hill site.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Vehicle Operation: Safely operate 20-ton mining vehicles and other fleet equipment as needed.
  • Engineering Feedback: Provide essential written and oral feedback on system performance directly to the engineering team.
  • Inspections: Complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and DVIRs.
  • Field Support: Travel as required (up to 50%) to support field operations and testing activities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Experience: 5+ years of verifiable heavy machinery operator experience.
  • Precision Driving: Comfortable driving and backing 20-ton vehicles and driving for extended periods.
  • Licensing: A valid CDL A driver’s license is a plus but not required.
  • Safety Record: A clean MVR (no more than 2 minor violations in 3 years) and no preventable accidents in the last 3 years.
  • Compliance: Must pass a background check, road test, and all DOT requirements including a Drug Test, MVR, and Physical.
  • Tech-Forward: An interest in driver assistance and autonomous technology with an openness to learning new skills.

Why Join the Team?

This is a high-impact position within a fast-growing autonomous vehicle company. You will play a vital role in testing cutting-edge mining technology while maintaining the highest safety and professional standards.

Ready to apply?

If you are a safety-focused professional ready for a rewarding contract opportunity, apply here today!

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About Comrise

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 38 years of staffing and business experience, Comrise continues to lead by example. We provide personalized and customized business solutions for all your recruiting and talent. Headuartered in New Jersey since 1984, Comrise is a staffing, consulting and enhanced search technology company. For over 38 years, we have delighted our clients and consultants by focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and flexible workforce solutions! With locations in the U.S, China, and Southeast Asia, we provide high-quality executive search, temporary assignments, temporary to permanent opportunities and cross border placement services.

Industry

It services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Woodbridge, NJ, US

Year founded

1984

Social media

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