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Lead Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distro

Crew Lead & Equipment Operator

Seymour, WI · On-site

Lead Great Crews. Operate Great Equipment. Build a Long-Term Career With Us. We are looking for experienced, motivated, and dependable individuals to join our team as Crew Leads & Equipment Operators.

Distro

Crew Lead & Equipment Operator

Seymour, WI · On-site

Lead Great Crews. Operate Great Equipment. Build a Long-Term Career With Us. We are looking for experienced, motivated, and dependable individuals to join our team as Crew Leads & Equipment Operators.

Apply Early

Distro

Crew Lead & Equipment Operator

Seymour, WI · On-site

Lead Great Crews. Operate Great Equipment. Build a Long-Term Career With Us. We are looking for experienced, motivated, and dependable individuals to join our team as Crew Leads & Equipment Operators.

Jobs for Humanity

Lead Equipment Operators

Greensboro, NC

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Equipment Operator (Grade and Pave Crew), Heavy Equipment Operator, Roller Operator (Self-Propelled, Asphalt, Other than Asphalt), Motor Grader Operator (Rough Grade), Concrete Grinder/Milling ...

Eosera, Inc.

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Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator works closely with the Lead Equipment Operator, production, and quality teams to uphold Eosera's standards for safety, documentation, and continuous improvement. KEY ...

ContainerPort Group

Equipment Operator

Newark, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Escalates equipment mechanical issues to Lead Equipment Operator * Accurately verifies freight for quality and quantity * Performs cycle counting as required * Communicates with others appropriately ...

World Shipping

Equipment Operator

Newark, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Escalates equipment mechanical issues to Lead Equipment Operator * Accurately verifies freight for quality and quantity * Performs cycle counting as required * Communicates with others appropriately ...

ContainerPort Group

Equipment Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Escalates equipment mechanical issues to Lead Equipment Operator * Accurately verifies freight for quality and quantity * Performs cycle counting as required * Communicates with others appropriately ...

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Lead Equipment Operator information

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$15

$24

$35

How much do lead equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead equipment operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those with specialized skills, extensive experience, and certifications in operating complex machinery like cranes or bulldozers. They can earn salaries exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or regions with a strong construction or mining sector. Advanced training and safety certifications can also contribute to higher wages.

What does a lead machine operator do?

A lead machine operator supervises and coordinates the operation of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. They ensure safety protocols are followed, perform routine maintenance, and assist in training and guiding other operators on-site. Strong technical skills, attention to safety, and experience with machinery are essential for this role.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Lead Equipment Operators in construction, mining, or heavy industry can earn around $700 per day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or certifications. High-paying roles often require extensive experience, operating complex machinery, and working in demanding environments or remote locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Lead Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation expertise, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by relevant certifications or licenses. Experience with heavy machinery, safety management systems, and knowledge of industry regulations and maintenance protocols are essential. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure safe operations and efficient team coordination. These skills are crucial for maintaining productivity, minimizing risks, and ensuring compliance on job sites.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lead Equipment Operator and how can they be addressed?

Lead Equipment Operators often face challenges such as coordinating multiple machine operators, ensuring equipment is maintained properly, and meeting project deadlines in a safe manner. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to address these issues, as is a proactive approach to safety protocols and equipment inspections. Regular training and fostering teamwork among crew members can help mitigate operational setbacks and enhance productivity. Being adaptable and solution-oriented is key to successfully navigating the dynamic work environment typical of construction or industrial projects.

What is a Lead Equipment Operator?

A Lead Equipment Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating heavy machinery on construction sites or in industrial settings, while also overseeing and coordinating the work of other equipment operators. They ensure that equipment is used safely and efficiently, assign tasks, provide training, and troubleshoot any operational issues. Lead Equipment Operators also help maintain equipment, enforce safety regulations, and may communicate with site supervisors to ensure project goals are met on time.

What is the difference between Lead Equipment Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectLead Equipment OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA certifications, CDL licenses, and specialized equipment trainingRequires OSHA certifications and equipment operation training
Work EnvironmentSupervises crews on construction sites, mines, or industrial facilitiesOperates machinery in construction, manufacturing, or mining settings
ResponsibilitiesLeads team, oversees safety, and ensures project deadlinesOperates heavy machinery to complete tasks

The main difference between a Lead Equipment Operator and an Equipment Operator is that the Lead supervises and coordinates team activities, ensuring safety and efficiency, while the Equipment Operator focuses primarily on operating machinery. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Lead role includes leadership responsibilities.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who specialize in heavy machinery such as crane operators, bulldozers, or excavators, especially with extensive experience and certifications. In certain industries like oil and gas or construction, senior operators with specialized skills can earn six-figure salaries. Factors influencing pay include location, years of experience, and the complexity of equipment operated.
More about Lead Equipment Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Equipment Operator jobs are:
Lead Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Crew Lead & Equipment Operator

Crew Lead & Equipment Operator

Distro

Seymour, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Lead Great Crews. Operate Great Equipment. Build a Long-Term Career With Us. We are looking for experienced, motivated, and dependable individuals to join our team as Crew Leads & Equipment Operators. Based in Seymour, Wisconsin, Our Company is a respected leader in utility construction, telecommunications, excavation, and infrastructure services throughout the Midwest. At the company, we know our success starts with our people. That's why we are committed to offering competitive pay, outstanding benefits, career growth opportunities, and a family-oriented culture where employees are appreciated, respected, and supported both on and off the job. If you take pride in leadership, safety, teamwork, and quality work, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding future with a company that truly values its employees. Position Summary The Crew Lead & Equipment Operator is responsible for leading field crews while safely operating heavy equipment on utility, excavation, telecommunications, and civil construction projects. This position plays a key role in maintaining jobsite productivity, ensuring safety standards are followed, and delivering high-quality work for our customers. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading by example, and helping develop strong crews and successful projects. What You'll Do Lead and coordinate daily activities of field crew members Operate heavy equipment including excavators, skid steers, loaders, trenchers, and other construction machinery Oversee jobsite safety and ensure crews follow company procedures Read and interpret utility locates, project plans, and specifications Assist with underground utility installation, excavation, grading, and site preparation Communicate effectively with supervisors, customers, and team members Maintain equipment and ensure proper daily inspections are completed Help train and mentor crew members to support team growth and development Ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and with high-quality workmanship What We're Looking For Previous experience in utility construction, excavation, telecommunications, or civil construction Experience operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently Leadership experience or the ability to lead crews effectively Strong work ethic and positive attitude Commitment to safety and teamwork Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions Valid driver's license required CDL preferred but not required Strong communication and problem-solving skills
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$1 - $1 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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