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Landscape Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Crew leaders must have prior experience operating standard landscape equipment including zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, whips, edgers and backpack blowers. We are an equal opportunity employer ...

Be Seen First

Crew leaders must have prior experience operating standard landscape equipment including zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, whips, edgers and backpack blowers. We are an equal opportunity employer ...

Equipment Operator

Petoskey, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company ... Job Overview The Equipment Operator supports the Hardscape Team Leader in the successful execution ...

Equipment Operator

Petoskey, MI

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company ... Job Overview The Equipment Operator supports the Hardscape Team Leader in the successful execution ...

Equipment Operator

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for a variety of tasks involved in golf course ... Trim trees, prune shrubbery, and cultivate flowers and other landscaping elements as needed ...

Equipment Operator

Dearborn, MI

$17.50 - $24/hr

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for a variety of tasks involved in golf course ... Trim trees, prune shrubbery, and cultivate flowers and other landscaping elements as needed ...

Equipment Operator

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for a variety of tasks involved in golf course ... Trim trees, prune shrubbery, and cultivate flowers and other landscaping elements as needed ...

Description Brilar is an industry-leading commercial landscape maintenance and snow management ... Position Overview As an Equipment Operator, you play a critical role in delivering top-tier service ...

Description Brilar is an industry-leading commercial landscape maintenance and snow management ... Position Overview As an Equipment Operator, you play a critical role in delivering top-tier service ...

Mechanic

Eaton Rapids, MI · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Diagnose, repair, and maintain fleet vehicles and landscape equipment. * Perform preventative ... Ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently. * Maintain a clean and organized work ...

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Landscape Equipment Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do landscape equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for landscape equipment operator in Michigan is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $22.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a landscape equipment operator?

Landscape Equipment Operators are skilled professionals who use machinery such as mowers, tractors, backhoes, and loaders to maintain and improve outdoor spaces. They operate and maintain equipment used for landscaping tasks like grading, planting, mowing, and removing debris. These operators play a crucial role in creating and maintaining attractive, functional landscapes for residential, commercial, and public properties. Their work ensures that grounds are safe, healthy, and visually appealing. Training, safety awareness, and attention to detail are important aspects of this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landscape equipment operator?

To thrive as a Landscape Equipment Operator, you need experience with landscaping techniques, safe machinery operation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial mowers, skid steers, tractors, and sometimes a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or safety certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills that help operators work efficiently and safely within a crew. These skills and qualifications ensure quality landscaping results while minimizing risks and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by landscape equipment operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Landscape Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maneuvering heavy machinery in tight or uneven spaces, and maintaining equipment reliability throughout the season. Effective communication with team members is essential to coordinate tasks safely and efficiently. Staying up-to-date on equipment maintenance schedules and safety protocols helps prevent breakdowns and accidents, ensuring smooth project completion.

What is the difference between Landscape Equipment Operator vs Groundskeeper?

AspectLandscape Equipment OperatorGroundskeeper
CredentialsMay require certifications for equipment operationTypically no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentOperates heavy machinery outdoors, often on large propertiesMaintains lawns and gardens, often on smaller grounds
Employer & IndustryLandscaping companies, parks, golf coursesSchools, parks, residential complexes
Common TasksOperating mowers, excavators, trimmersMowing, planting, pruning

While both roles involve outdoor grounds maintenance, the Landscape Equipment Operator primarily focuses on operating heavy machinery and equipment, often requiring certifications. Groundskeepers typically handle routine lawn and garden care without specialized certifications. The roles differ mainly in scope and equipment used, but both are essential for maintaining outdoor spaces.

What are popular job titles related to Landscape Equipment Operator jobs in Michigan?

For Landscape Equipment Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Landscape Equipment Operator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Landscape Equipment Operator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Landscape Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Landscape Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Landscape Equipment Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,319 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Landscape Construction Equipment Operator

Canton, MI


BrightView Landscapes

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 36 rated gardening and landscaping

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

The Best Teams are Created and Maintained Here.

Job Summary

  • The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating a variety of heavy equipment, such as loaders, dozers, trenchers, and trucks. This role also ensures proper cleaning, maintenance, and secure storage of equipment in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate heavy equipment safely and effectively to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life
  • Perform daily safety and maintenance checks
  • Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required
  • Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored
  • Advise Foreman of any requirements for maintenance or repairs
  • Participate in routine maintenance and practice workplace safety
  • Maintain inventory

Education and Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in equipment operating and maintenance

Physical Demands/Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 if operating company provided vehicles)
  • Possess strong stamina and have the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Able to safely operate landscaping equipment (e.g., mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers).
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, stand, walk continuously throughout the day and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
  • Able to perform manual labor using a variety of hand tools (e.g. shovels, rakes)
  • You are able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., safety shoes, high-visibility clothing, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection)
  • Landscapers who will be operating a BrightView fleet vehicle are required to have a valid driver’s license and meet company standards as it relates motor vehicle performance identified on a state issued motor vehicle record check.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays if needed.
  • Ability to maintain, in your possession at all times, required medications to address any known allergic reactions should they occur.

Work Environment:

  • Ability to work outdoors/indoors in moderate to extreme weather conditions (e.g., temperatures more than 100°F, temperatures below 32°F, various levels of humidity)
  • Ability to work in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
  • Work outdoors near automotive traffic, bodies of water, fumes, dust, mechanical and/or electrical hazards.
  • Ability to work in environments where extended periods of loud noise are present.
  • Ability to work in environments where exposure to allergens such as pollen and rag weed, insects such as bees and spiders and reptiles such as lizards and snakes. 
BrightView Landscapes, LLC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.This job description is subject to change at any time.

BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial benefits to full-time team members. Benefits offerings for full-time team members include medical, dental, and vision insurance, ancillary and voluntary products, a 401k savings plan with employer contributions, and 6 to 9 company paid holidays per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and/or potential variable pay opportunities based on position and performance. A detailed benefits package will be provided during the interview process.

It’s Not Just a Team. It’s One BrightView.


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