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Heavy Vehicle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$46K - $58K/yr

... heavy equipment, ensuring that repaired vehicles run properly and safely; performs preventive ... operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate ...

Vehicle Operator

Decatur, GA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

Vehicle Operator / Auxiliary Services Job Summary: Transports individuals to the directed ... some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift.

Vehicle Operator

Decatur, GA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

Vehicle Operator / Auxiliary Services Job Summary: Transports individuals to the directed ... some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift.

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Heavy Vehicle Assembly Technician Military Vehicle Manufacturing Plymouth, MI $25.00 - $30.00/Hour ... Experience operating basic machine shop equipment. * Certified welding experience with steel and ...

$46K/yr

Overview Under supervision, the Motor Vehicle Operator will operate Library vehicles and be ... Able to lift heavy objects (60lbs or more) * Experienced and able to use small hand tools

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Vehicle Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy vehicle 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 is a heavy vehicle operator?

Heavy Vehicle Operators are skilled professionals responsible for driving and controlling large vehicles, such as trucks, buses, construction machinery, or military transport vehicles. Their duties typically include transporting goods or personnel, performing safety checks, and maintaining proper records of their routes and cargo. Heavy Vehicle Operators must adhere to safety regulations, have specialized licenses, and often work in industries like construction, logistics, or public transportation. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of vehicle mechanics and road safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy vehicle operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Vehicle Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), solid driving skills, and knowledge of vehicle safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices, and basic vehicle maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication help operators excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transport of goods and materials while minimizing risks on the road.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy vehicle operators and how can they be managed?

Heavy Vehicle Operators often contend with operating large vehicles in varying weather and traffic conditions, which can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. Common challenges include maintaining focus during long hours, adhering to strict delivery schedules, and navigating complex routes safely. To manage these challenges, operators are encouraged to prioritize rest, make use of route planning tools, and communicate proactively with dispatch and maintenance teams. Adhering to safety protocols and ongoing training can also help operators handle unexpected situations more effectively.

What is the difference between Heavy Vehicle Operator vs Truck Driver?

AspectHeavy Vehicle OperatorTruck Driver
CredentialsDriver's license for heavy vehicles, certifications for specific machineryCommercial driver's license (CDL), specific endorsements
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, logging, transportRoads, highways, delivery routes
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, forestry, logisticsFreight, logistics, delivery services

Both roles require heavy vehicle licenses and involve operating large vehicles. Heavy Vehicle Operators often work in construction, mining, or forestry environments, while Truck Drivers primarily focus on freight transport on roads. The key difference lies in work setting and specific certifications, but both are essential in industries requiring heavy vehicle operation.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Vehicle Operator jobs?

For Heavy Vehicle Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Heavy Vehicle Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Columbia, SC โ€ข On-site

$46K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Diagnoses and performs mechanical repair work on trucks and specialized equipment, including engines, fuel injection systems, electronic engine controls, electrical systems, brake systems, HVAC systems, computer systems, drivetrains, and differentials.

  • Performs preventive maintenance tasks such as changing oil, lubricating, replacing hoses and belts, replacing brakes, checking lights, and tuning engines.

  • Conducts road tests after repairs to ensure vehicles are mechanically safe and functional.


Job description

Salary: $46,251.00 - $58,970.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500012
Department: GENERAL SERVICES
Division: FLEET SERVICES
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 110
Description
This position performs skilled mechanical repair work on City-owned automobiles, trucks and other specialized medium-to-heavy equipment, ensuring that repaired vehicles run properly and safely; performs preventive maintenance on such equipment as scheduled, and performs related work as required. The incumbent works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.
The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, toxic/caustic chemicals, heights; and is relatively safe, secure, and stable.
Essential Job Functions
  • Diagnoses and performs mechanical repair work on, trucks and specialized equipment, including repairing or replacing engines, fuel injection systems, electronic engine controls, electrical systems, brake systems, HVAC systems, computer systems, drivetrains, differentials, etc.;
  • Learns and performs mechanical repair work on diesel vehicles and equipment;
  • Repairs emergency services and law enforcement vehicles; installs and maintains specialized equipment on emergency vehicles as necessary;
  • Performs welding and fabrication work as needed;
  • Performs a variety of preventive maintenance duties as scheduled, including changing oil, lubricating, replacing hoses and belts, replacing brakes, checking lights, and tuning engines;
  • Changes and repairs tires on vehicles;
  • Conducts road tests after repair work is completed to ensure that all vehicles are mechanically safe and function properly;
  • Provides emergency field assistance to disabled vehicles;
  • Picks up parts from vendors as necessary;
  • Maintains records of work completed and parts used;
  • Maintains assigned tools and equipment;
  • Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly shop;
Attends training, workshops, meetings, etc., as appropriate to maintain or enhance job
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
  • High school diploma or GED;
  • One (1) year of relevant prior experience;
  • Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.
  • Possess a mechanic's tool set

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;
  • Ability to copy, transcribe, enter or post data or information;
  • Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
  • Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
  • Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as vehicles, trucks, emergency vehicles and other mechanical equipment; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;
  • Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
  • Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
  • Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
  • Ability to guide others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have one (1) or more years of a relevant prior experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a mechanic's tool set?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question