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Lead Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Equipment Technician

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

... operating problems in areas including but not limited to plumbing, electrical systems/components ... equipment. What you'll do: • Lead Team by managing the MRO program to include purchasing ...

Lead Equipment Technician

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

... operating problems in areas including but not limited to plumbing, electrical systems/components ... equipment. What you'll do: • Lead Team by managing the MRO program to include purchasing ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Equipment Operator information

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$15

$24

$35

How much do lead equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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?

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.

More about Lead Equipment Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Senior Heavy Equipment Operator

Turner Mining Group

Soda Springs, ID

$36 - $39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Senior Equipment Operator

Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group

Job Description:

The Senior Equipment Operator is the most skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. This role will oversee operational quality and efficiency as a strong field leader. The successful candidate must live the Turner Values and be an outward example to others. This position must demonstrate a strong commitment to "Safe Production" through decision making, priorities, and client relations.

Objectives and Contributions:

The Senior Equipment Operator is focused on key aspects that drive communication and safe production while maintaining a high level of efficiency, proactive training metrics, and preventative maintenance awareness requirements. The Senior Operator demonstrates safety ownership at a personal level and holds other crew members to the same high standard. The Senior Equipment Operator will train and develop into the Lead Equipment Operator job scope while the Lead Equipment operator is filling in for supervisory duties.

  • Operates mobile equipment as assigned every day based on production needs
  • Work with employees to ensure a high level of accuracy and engagement on hazard identification and control
  • Engage crews and leadership to define processes that motivate working towards common goals
  • Assist with MSHA regulatory training and verify compliance to standards
  • Live the values as part of a visible daily decision-making process
  • Assist with training efforts to grow other operators
  • Assist with training proficiency audits
  • Assist with client specific safety needs as required
  • Support risk assessment processes at various levels of the organization
  • Holds themselves and others accountable for acting like an owner (taking care of equipment, not wasting resources, using time wisely, and being accountable for conditions and behaviors)
  • Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas)

Culture and Communication:

  • Can effectively communicate in English (multi-lingual preferred)
  • Assist with daily lineout meetings and monthly safety topic communications
  • Assist with site communication programs and processes to ensure timely, specific, and value-added information
  • Assist with site and project leaders to identify areas of improvement
  • Work with crews to support proactive near miss reporting
  • Leads by example (walks the talk)

Systems:

  • Ability to perform quality pre-operation machine inspections (Based on mobile equipment physical demands analysis)
  • Able to perform quality workplace examination (per MSHA requirements)
  • Ability to use electronic filing and reporting systems
  • Accurately documents 5000-23 and training checklist requirements
  • Other regulatory & internal / external forms as required

Travel and New Site Development:

  • Maintains a valid and insurable driving license
  • Available to travel on short notice to support timelines and production requirements at existing sites (Preferred)

Supervisory / Leadership Duties

  • Learn and assist with key performance indicators, company targets, and daily progress reporting
  • Assist in employee timekeeping and production reports
  • Maintains compliance to Turner Mining Group Policies and Procedures including Fit for Duty requirements
  • Upholds Code of Conduct requirements
  • Spend time with maintenance, and site supervision to build relationships and develop trust
  • Assist with development / implement processes to reduce and eliminate repeat incidents

Time and Interactions:

  • The Senior Equipment Operator must be flexible on shift schedules (days and nights) to assist with training and production needs
  • The Senior Equipment Operator will be self-starting, motivated, with a strong desire to be part of a team and to influence improvement. Communication is also critical to keep leadership and site-based personnel in the loop of successes, challenges, and any additional support that may be required
  • Interacts with client supervision to discuss production challenges, targets, and collaboration between teams
  • Excellent time management skills

Qualifications:

  • Smart phone navigation
  • Willingness and ability to adhere to OSHA / MSHA regulatory requirements
  • 3-5 years' experience in mining / heavy industry preferred
  • Working knowledge of safety systems and processes
  • Appropriate attention to detail required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong morals and values
  • Exemplary attendance record
  • Exemplary safety and disciplinary record
  • Willingness to be flexible on daily job duty requirements
  • Maintains a positive outspoken learning attitude
  • The Senior Equipment Operator must pass and maintain Turner Mining Group mobile equipment skills qualifications on each piece of the following equipment:
    • Production excavator,
  • Production loader,
  • Support excavator,
  • Dozer
  • Support loader,
  • Grader
  • Water truck,
  • Haulage truck
  • In addition to the job skills above, there may be requirements for manual tasks to be completed to meet other business needs. Operators in any job duty classification may be required to participate in these additional tasks.

Other Duties:

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements listed below are essential functions of this position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Weight Requirement: Ability to meet equipment manufacturer's safety requirements, including a body weight under 330 pounds.
  • Mobility & Posture: Ability to kneel, crouch, squat, climb stairs, and climb ladders repeatedly.
  • Reaching & Movement: Ability to reach forward and overhead, and to perform sustained or repetitive movements of the neck, hands, wrists, and ankles/feet.
  • Strength & Endurance: Ability to push and pull with a force of at least 55 pounds.
    • Ability to lift, carry, and set down objects weighing up to 85 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and carry objects overhead weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and move items from floor level to waist, shoulder, and overhead levels.
  • Ability to carry weights over distances of at least 20 feet.
  • Repetition & Duration: Ability to perform the above motions multiple times in succession and sustain activity for extended periods.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME