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Lead Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Equipment Operators

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$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 ...

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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 Jun 10, 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 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Lead Equipment Operators in specialized industries such as oil and gas, construction, or mining can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and overtime. High-level roles in management or project supervision within these fields may also reach this compensation level, often requiring advanced skills and significant responsibility.
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 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Lead, Heavy Equipment Operator

Lead, Heavy Equipment Operator

Waste Management

Naples, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 607 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 71 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Are you looking for stable work as a Lead Equipment Operator with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as a Lead Equipment Operator at WM - and more. 

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator:

  • depending on experience

    • Stable hours for your financial stability

      • Access to a stock purchase plan 

      • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.

      • Paid tuition and scholarships for you and your dependents 

      • Company-matched 401(k)

      • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Lead Heavy Equipment Operator. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator with WM:

  • Monday - Friday every week
    • 6:30am to 6-6:30pm
    • 6am on Wednesdays
    • Saturday 6:30am - 3pm

    • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.

    • The normal setting for this job is our Landfill in Naples, FL

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our recycling facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator you'll be responsible for operating heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this role is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment operators take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination.  Our waste disposal sites have strict procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our Landfill employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Operates heavy equipment in compliance with the company operating safety policies and procedures. 

    • Conducts routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance on equipment; maintains accurate records. 

    • Moves and positions raw materials and finished components with use of material moving equipment.

    • Follow appropriate standard operating procedures as per guidelines for operating and maintaining vehicle. 

    • Performs other duties as assigned. 

What do you need to be considered for the role of Lead Heavy Equipment Operator?

  • 5 year of experience operating heavy equipment.

    • Be over 18 years of age.

    • Legally eligible to work in the United States

    • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

    • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.

    • Take accountability for adhering to our safety guidelines.

    • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues

    • Able to problem solve while independently.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) most of the workday.

    • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 30 pounds occasionally.

    • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) rarely. 

    • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements most of the workday. 

    • Normal setting for this job is: shop or field. 

ABOUT WM
WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

If this position is to be performed in Los Angeles County, California, please read carefully the information contained here in LA County Addendum. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States: WM is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada: WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative.  This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons, or service federal property.  Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID, or TSA approved alternative.  

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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