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Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

2nd SHIFT MACHINE OPERATOR

Lenexa, KS

$15.50 - $19/hr

A 2nd Shift Heavy Machine Operator at Smith and Loveless sets up and operates various pieces of metal fabricating equipment including a square shear, power press brake, plate roll and angle roll to ...

Machine Operator

Solomon, KS · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

This Machine Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment such as a forklift, JCB, and Doosan. * Inspect equipment daily before operations. * Work alongside team members to meet ...

Heavy Equipment Operator AMAT Bonner Springs, Kansas, United States Job ID: 527343 APAC- Inc ... Operate machine in as efficient, productive fashion possible with highest production rate ...

Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or signals machine operators to move materials * Keeps inventory, loading areas, and machinery clean. * Receive and inspect ...

Are you willing to operate machinery safely and see the success of an exciting industry? Martin Marietta is currently looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Eudora Quarry in Eudora, KS. This ...

Are you willing to operate machinery safely and see the success of an exciting industry? Martin Marietta is currently looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Eudora Quarry in Eudora, KS. This ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Machinery Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do heavy machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy machinery operator in Kansas is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are heavy machinery operators in demand?

Heavy machinery operators are in demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and industrial development. Employment opportunities often require certifications and experience with equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, and job growth is expected to remain steady in many regions.

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a heavy machinery operator?

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 challenges do heavy machinery operators face, 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 is a heavy machinery operator?

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 are popular job titles related to Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Kansas?

For Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Heavy Machinery Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,994 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

$15.50 - $19/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Smith & Loveless is united under one cause: “Protecting Water. Protecting People.”  We are seeking a 2nd Shift Heavy Machine Operator to partner with our experienced production team in this environmentally focused industry.

A 2nd Shift Heavy Machine Operator at Smith and Loveless sets up and operates various pieces of metal fabricating equipment including a square shear, power press brake, plate roll and angle roll to bend, shape, and manipulate metal materials in the fabrication process. This is a second shift position, if hired, the ideal candidate will work 4:00 pm to 12:30 am with a dinner period.

Job duties

  • Works from verbal instructions, sketches, blueprints, factory orders, templates, bills of material cutting lists etc.
  • Sets up and operates square shear, power press brake, plate roll and angle roll.
  • Moves material to and from machine manually or using cranes.
  • Checks parts for accuracy and count.
  • Replaces drills, saw blades, dies, etc. as required.
  • Performs simple maintenance such as greasing, oiling or minor adjustments.
  • May be required to construct tools and forms not requiring high tolerances.
  • Uses cutting torch to cut scrap metal for disposal.
  • Uses cutting torch to notch material at plate shear operation.
  • Uses cutting torch, as required at flanging operation.
  • Tack weld and/or weld rolled shells and braces as required at plate rolling operation.
  • Reports abnormal conditions of equipment or product to the supervisor.
  • Observes all safety rules and regulations and keeps the work area clean and orderly.

Skills/Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 1 year machine operating experience preferred with square shear, press brake, and plate/angle roll preferred.
  • Prior experience using forklift and overhead cranes is preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to read blueprints, factory orders, and bills of material.   

 Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  • Must be able to wear PPE (Eyeglasses, earplugs, and steel toe shoes)
  • Requires an employee to be able to be in motion on a hard surface.
  • Frequent lifting, bending, and stretching.
  • Ability to push, pull, carry 50-100 pounds.
  • Noise level of an average production floor.
  • Able to climb ladders and ascend stairs for installations. 
  • Must complete a satisfactory physical exam, alcohol screen and drug screen.

About us

For over 75 years, Smith & Loveless has provided innovative environmental engineering ingenuity and quality craftsmanship to the water industry by pioneering superior pre-engineered pumping, treatment and headworks systems to a global customer base.  A true pioneer in the water and wastewater pumping industry, Smith & Loveless manufactures cost-effective, operator safe and efficient pump stations for municipalities, developments, industrial, governmental, and military facilities across the globe.   Our energy-efficient and durable systems deliver unrivaled life-cycle cost savings.   With tens of thousands of installations in more than 70 nations on all seven continents, our innovative wastewater/reuse engineered products allow us to maintain our market leadership in lift stations, grit removal systems and over a complete range of wastewater treatment systems. 

Check us out Here:      https://smithandloveless.com/smith-loveless-careers-0