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Mainline Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAPANI Inc

Mainline Excavator Operator

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$29.03 - $46.35/hr

Tapani Careers Job Summary The Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating the heavy equipment to ensure the day to day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with ...

TAPANI, Inc.

Mainline Excavator Operator

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$29.04 - $46.35/hr

Tapani Careers Job Summary The Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating the heavy equipment to ensure the day to day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with ...

Kelchner, Inc.

Mainline Excavator Operator

Springboro, OH · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Summary: Operates various pieces of heavy equipment (excavators, etc.) to move, level, and distribute earth and to push trees and rocks from land preparatory to ...

Kelchner

Mainline Excavator Operator

Springboro, OH

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Summary: Operates various pieces of heavy equipment (excavators, etc.) to move, level, and distribute earth and to push trees and rocks from land preparatory to ...

Kelchner

Mainline Excavator Operator

Springboro, OH · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Summary: Operates various pieces of heavy equipment (excavators, etc.) to move, level, and distribute earth and to push trees and rocks from land preparatory to ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground ...

WRS

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID · On-site

This role requires proven experience operating excavation equipment on a civil construction site with a focus on mainline trenching and pipe installation. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of ...

WRS

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID · On-site

This role requires proven experience operating excavation equipment on a civil construction site with a focus on mainline trenching and pipe installation. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of ...

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Mainline Operator information

See salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do mainline operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainline operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a mainline operator?

To thrive as a Mainline Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, production processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial control systems, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators excel in maintaining production flow and safety. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and continuous operation of mainline equipment, reducing downtime and supporting production targets.

What are the most common challenges faced by a mainline operator, and how can they be addressed?

Mainline Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent production flow, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. These issues can be addressed by staying up-to-date with equipment training, actively communicating with maintenance and quality teams, and following established standard operating procedures. Proactively identifying potential issues and collaborating with team members can help minimize downtime and ensure a smooth operation.

What is the difference between Mainline Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectMainline OperatorPump Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, possibly CDLHigh school diploma, safety training, often CDL
Work EnvironmentPipeline, construction sites, industrial facilitiesRefineries, pipelines, industrial plants
Industry UsageOil & gas, pipeline transportationOil & gas, chemical plants, refineries
Job FocusMonitoring and operating main pipeline systemsOperating pumps to control fluid flow

While both roles involve working with pipelines and require safety training, Mainline Operators focus on managing entire pipeline systems, whereas Pump Operators specialize in operating pumps to control fluid movement within those systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a mainline operator?

Mainline Operators are professionals responsible for operating and monitoring equipment along main transportation or production lines, such as pipelines, railway lines, or manufacturing conveyors. They ensure the smooth and safe flow of materials or products, perform routine checks, and respond to any issues that arise during operation. Mainline Operators may also be involved in maintaining records, coordinating with other team members, and following safety protocols to prevent accidents or disruptions. This role is critical in industries like oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation.
More about Mainline Operator jobs
What states have the most Mainline Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainline Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mainline Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainline Operator jobs are:
Mainline Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainline Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Mainline Excavator Operator

TAPANI Inc

Battle Ground, WA • On-site

$29.03 - $46.35/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Tapani Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
  • Since starting in 1983, Tapani has evolved from a single-person operation to a family-led legacy, maintaining a fun and friendly environment from the beginning. With a large team across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, we now cover five diverse market sectors: Civil Site Development, Buildings, Environmental, Transportation, and Utility Infrastructure. The consistent dedication to our core values has helped us grow, creating more opportunities for our current team and the need for new teammates.
    Take a look what our current employees say about working for Tapani: Tapani Careers
    Job Summary
    The Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating the heavy equipment to ensure the day to day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with the Foreman's direction and schedule. Mainly focusing on mainline digging but may do other tasks as needed.
    Responsibilities
    • Responsible for Field Production
      • Communicate with Foreman to understand the plan for the day
      • Ensure all equipment being operated for the day is warmed up and operational by shift start.
      • Ensure communication is maintained with other field workers to ensure efficient results and safe working environment
      • Operation of the heavy equipment
      • Assist with all tasks to ensure a quality project by Tapani Inc
    • Responsible for proper use of heavy equipment
      • Complete an equipment walk around keeping cab clean and cleaning the windows and tracks when needed
      • Understand all functions and mechanics; ensure proper attachments, hoses, belts, etc. are utilized and maintained
      • Understand and perform all daily machine checks and maintenance needs; ensure proper greasing, oiling, minor repairs
      • Communicate with Foreman all equipment concerns and repair needs
      • Understand machine's abilities and limits of performance and stay within limit bounds
      • Knowing and understanding the functions of each piece of equipment being ran.
      • Ensure safe use of equipment; show regard for the equipment, the project, the others onsite, traffic; the overall environment
      • Ensure proper handling of equipment while in operation and know where the perimeter of the machine is at all times and know your surroundings.
      • Job involves a moderate degree of complexity due to needing the knowledge to understand the functions of each piece of equipment as well as knowing the soils and how they react to each piece of equipment being ran
    • Responsible for Site Safety
      • Ensure proper awareness and communication at all times with other employees while operating machine
      • Ensure OSHA standards are adhered to
      • Understand the safety risk with each task and ensure proper safety methods are adhered to
      • Ensure all safety training is current
      • Knowing and understanding the soils and how they react to each piece of equipment being ran
      • Understand the dig laws and locates while also knowing the color codes
    • Responsible for upholding the Integrity of Tapani Inc
      • Ensure an atmosphere of team work and utilization of each crew members abilities
      • Maintain efficiency and quality throughout the project
      • Communicate to Foreman changes that reflect the best for the owner and Tapani Inc.
    • Bring concerns to the Foreman to assist with resolving issues quickly
    • Always seek ways to learn and grow personally and professionally
    • Maintain Machines cleanliness
    • Train others in operating techniques
    Requirements & Qualifications
    • High school education or equivalent
    • 1-2 years prior experience as an equipment operator
    • Understand the operations and maintenance of all tools and equipment utilized on site
    • Job involves a moderate degree of complexity due to needing the knowledge to understand the functions of each piece of equipment as well as knowing the soils and how they react to each piece of equipment
    • Ability to generate efficient methods quickly to resolve roadblocks
    • Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR, Confined Space, Competent Person, Rigging and Signaling
    • Forklifts, butt fusion, electrofuse, and trucking require certification
    • Able to use discretion when making decisions independently
    • Able to get the job completed with minimal impacts to the immediate surrounding and welfare of the equipment being used
    • A team player
    • Great interpersonal and communication skills
    • Able to teach and coach other employees
    • Must be physically able to perform job duties
    • Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift 50-100lbs on a daily basis
    Working Environment
    • Typically working hours are Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. but can vary
    • Hours worked will be weather dependent along with schedule requirements
    • Summer time typically is longer hours and winter typically is shorter hours due to daylight
    • Work may require weekend work when project demands. Work may require night work when project demands
    Compensation and Benefits
    • Pay: $29.03 - $46.35 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)
    • Comprehensive Medical Insurance plans with low to $0 monthly premiums
    • Additional voluntary insurance options include: Dental, Vision, and a wide variety of Supplemental insurances.
    • Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick Time
    • Company Paid Life Insurance
    • 401(k) options with up to 4% employer match
    • See the full list of benefits here

What Tapani Inc. employees say

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