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Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bonner Springs, KS

$22/hr

Our 24,100 employees at 1,300 operating locations provide our customers with top-quality ... Operate machine in as efficient, productive fashion possible with highest production rate ...

Wildcat Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth ... Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock ...

Sherwood Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth ... Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock ...

Sunbelt Solomon

Machine Operator

Solomon, KS · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Description 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 ...

Wildcat Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Topeka, KS · On-site

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth ... Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock ...

RB Global Inc.

Loader Operator I

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$33K - $41K/yr

Experience operating heavy machinery. * Able to operate a large 36,000 lbs forklift is an asset. * Good spoken and written English is required. * Good computer skills and able to learn new programs ...

Sunbelt Solomon

Heavy Equipment Operator

Solomon, KS · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

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 ...

Martin Marietta

Heavy Equipment Operator

Eudora, KS · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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 ...

Akima, LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) and construction-type machinery in support of Army equipment turn-in operations. This role ...

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Heavy Machinery Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do heavy machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Kansas are:

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

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

Heavy Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,994 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sherwood Companies

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Sherwood Companies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Wildcat has the ability to self-perform many types of civil construction including earthwork and site prep, concrete and asphalt paving, civil and structural concrete, rock excavation, piling and sheet piling, sub-grade stabilization, and water/waste-water treatment facilities. We also have a tremendous amount of experience with all underground utilities including sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer, and main electrical distribution.

The Sherwood Companies have a proven track record of completing a variety of projects from General Construction, to Construction Management and Design Build Projects for both public and private owners. A brief summary of the types of projects include, urban expressways, bridges, underground utilities, dam construction, asphalt/concrete paving and water/wastewater treatment plants. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth, applying concrete, asphalt or other materials to road beds or equipment used for tamping gravel, dirt or other materials. The incumbent will need to operate in a safe and efficient manner following all personal protective equipment (PPE) and process requirements. Travel may be required.

BENEFITS

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Accident and Cancer Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability
  • 401(k) with match
  • Yearly boot reimbursement
  •  Referral bonus program

ACTIVITIES/TASKS/SCOPE

  • Keep work area clean, orderly and safe
  • Could operate graders, roller, booms, dozers, scrapers, blades, loaders, etc. to move and grade earth
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders or backhoes
  • Perform minor maintenance and adjustments on equipment
  • Understand the use of equipment in various jobs such as: trenching, excavating, loading, leveling, rough grading and finishing
  • Become familiar with digging plans and with efficient and safe digging procedures
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes or other markings when operating machines to work can be performed to specifications
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete
  • Move materials over short distances
  • Other duties as assigned

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR COMPETENCIES

  • Work Standards
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Initiating Action
  • Adaptability
  • Contributing to Team Success
  • Managing Work (Time Management)
  • Communication

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • High School or Degree or GED required
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • 2-3 years of experience of heavy equipment operation in heavy highway or farm experience preferred

CERTIFICATION/OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools
  • Mathematics
  • Operation monitoring
  • Control precision
  • Depth perception
  • Manual dexterity
  • Reaction time
  • Coordination

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

  • Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, walk, climb ladders, reach, grasp, push/pull, twist, and lift heavy objects (50 lbs.)
  • Safe negotiation of uneven terrain in various weather conditions
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to effectively verbally communicate, see close and at distances, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements.

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