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Internship Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skillforce

Heavy Equipment Operator

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$24 - $28/hr

Skillforce is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator for construction work in Chesterfield and Blacksburg, VA. Monday through Friday, day shift. You will run equipment alongside civil and mechanical crews ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate, maintain, and ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate, maintain, and ...

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Internship Heavy Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$10

$22

$34

How much do internship heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship heavy equipment operator in the United States is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship heavy equipment operator?

An Internship Heavy Equipment Operator is a trainee who is learning to operate large construction machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes under supervision. These interns work alongside experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience in safely handling and maintaining heavy equipment on construction sites or in industrial settings. The internship provides practical skills, helps develop an understanding of safety protocols, and often serves as a pathway to a full-time operator position after completion.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during an internship as a heavy equipment operator?

As an intern Heavy Equipment Operator, you can expect to gain practical experience operating a variety of machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders under the guidance of experienced professionals. Your daily responsibilities might include assisting with site preparation, conducting pre-operation equipment checks, and learning proper safety protocols. Interns often rotate through different tasks, allowing them to become familiar with various aspects of heavy equipment operation and maintenance. This hands-on training provides a solid foundation for pursuing a full-time operator role after your internship.

What is the difference between Internship Heavy Equipment Operator vs Entry-Level Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectInternship Heavy Equipment OperatorEntry-Level Heavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsMay require basic certifications or training programsRequires valid heavy equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervised training sites, learning-focusedActive construction or industrial sites, more independent
Employer UsageTraining programs, apprenticeshipsHiring for ongoing operational roles
Search IntentLearning, training, entry into industryStarting a career, gaining experience

Internship Heavy Equipment Operators are typically in training or apprenticeship programs, focusing on learning and gaining initial experience under supervision. Entry-Level Heavy Equipment Operators have completed training and are ready to operate equipment independently on job sites. Both roles require certifications, but internships emphasize training, while entry-level positions focus on active work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Internship Heavy Equipment Operator, you need a basic understanding of construction safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring completion of relevant pre-apprenticeship programs. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and forklifts, as well as training on machine-specific controls and OSHA safety protocols, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and a willingness to learn help interns adapt quickly and work effectively within a team. These skills are important to ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and contribute to the success of construction projects.
More about Internship Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Internship Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Internship Heavy Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:
Internship Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,960 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Skillforce

Blacksburg, VA • Remote

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Weekly pay, $24 to $28 an hour. Skillforce is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator for construction work in Chesterfield and Blacksburg, VA. Monday through Friday, day shift. You will run equipment alongside civil and mechanical crews on an active industrial site. Ongoing project work, home every night, no travel.

Pay and Schedule

• $24 to $27 per hour, W-2

• Weekly pay

• Monday through Friday, day shift

• Full time, ongoing project work

• Home every night, no travel


Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment on an active site

• Excavator, dozer, loader, backhoe, skid steer

• Move, load, and grade dirt, rock, and material

• Support civil and mechanical crews on site

• Daily walkaround checks and machine upkeep


Heavy Equipment Operator Qualifications

• 2 years minimum operating heavy equipment

• Able to name your machines and seat hours

• Valid driver's license and work authorization

• Must pass a drug screen and background check

• Industrial or utility site work a plus


Benefits

• Weekly pay

• Medical, dental, and vision available

• PTO and paid holidays

• 401(k)

• Referral bonus program

Skillforce logo

About Skillforce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With the most experienced individuals in the industry, Skillforce is the construction staffing firm employers and tradesmen can trust. Whether you're a construction specialist, craftsman, foreman, or project manager looking to hire new talent, Skillforce has the resources you need. Skillforce is a full-service labor contractor that provides guaranteed, reliable craftsmen to contractors who need them, where and when they need them, for as long as they need them. Founded in 2003, Skillforce was created as a response to the construction industry’s challenges with recruiting and hiring flexible, skilled craftsmen. Rob Cossaboon founded Skillforce with the goal of creating a strong construction staffing company that encompassed two main themes: creating a team environment with strong leadership, and a business culture that inspired employees to strive to be their best.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

2003

Social media

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