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Mobile Equipment Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator - Long Term - FULLTIME JENNMAR Services is hiring ... Operation of select mobile equipment, which includes, backhoes, bulldozers and rubber-tired bucket ...

Equipment Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and ... Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts ...

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

... other mobile equipment Maintain daily logs and production reports Assist Operators as needed ... Perform other duties as directed. JOB REQUIREMENTS As a Material Handler, you will be expected to ...

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Mobile Equipment Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$20

$31

How much do mobile equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mobile equipment operator in Indiana is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mobile Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with any required operator's licenses. Familiarity with equipment such as forklifts, bulldozers, loaders, and GPS or telematics systems is often necessary. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of equipment, which is critical for productivity and workplace safety.

What is the difference between Mobile Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectMobile Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsMay require CDL or specific equipment certificationsOften requires OSHA or industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, transportationConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, manufacturingConstruction, mining, forestry

Both roles involve operating large machinery, but Mobile Equipment Operators typically focus on vehicles like forklifts, cranes, or trucks, while Heavy Equipment Operators handle bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related but distinct roles within the construction and industrial sectors.

What is a mobile equipment operator?

Mobile Equipment Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating various types of machinery and vehicles, such as forklifts, bulldozers, cranes, or loaders, typically on construction sites, warehouses, or industrial settings. Their main duties include safely transporting materials, assisting in site preparation, and performing routine maintenance checks on equipment. These operators must follow safety protocols and may require certification or specialized training depending on the machinery they handle.

What are some common challenges faced by mobile equipment operators, and how can they be addressed?

Mobile Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or hazardous terrain, and maintaining strict attention to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is crucial for coordinating movements and avoiding accidents. To address these challenges, operators should participate in ongoing safety training, perform regular equipment inspections, and collaborate closely with site managers to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Mobile Equipment Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Mobile Equipment Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in IN? For Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mobile Equipment Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,747 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Mobile Equipment Operator

Central Garden & Pet

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,823 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 41 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Feeds the production line and manually tracks the delivery of materials with a forklift.
  • Put-away of finished goods or raw materials.
  • Timely loading and unloading of trucks and support of cart management for the production team as needed.
  • Loading or unloading materials manually, off or onto pallets, platforms, skids, or lifting devices
  • Partners with Production Leads and the Quality Coordinator for validation of materials and timing.
  • Transporting materials to different locations within the facility.
  • Optimizing loads to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Securing loads to the machine before transportation.
  • Report any faulty equipment, damage to racks, or other potential safety hazards. 
  • Removes and manually tracks unused or surplus materials at the end of a production run.
  • Packing cushions when time allows.
  • Follow all safety guidelines; especially for glad hand locks, dock locks, wheel chocks, PPE, lifting techniques, and housekeeping.

Required Skills:

  • Basic counting and math skills.
  • Ability to push/pull up to 50lbs.
  • Ability to stand/walk/bend/stoop up to 3 hours at a stretch.
  • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills; written documentation and tracking of materials; verbal interaction with multiple individuals at various levels within the organization.
  • Flexible; must be willing to “learn as you go” and have a “can do” attitude.
  • Self-starter: must be willing to ask questions and speak up if something doesn’t make sense or seems out of place.
  • Team player: must be willing to pitch in to assist team members with other duties as requested.
  • One (1) year of experience operating a forklift preferred.

Training Provided:

  • Safety – day one
  • PLM (optional or future date)
  • SAP (optional or future date)
  • Forklift Certification or Recertification – day one
  • Handheld Scanning Technology (as needed)
  • Use of Automated Case Sealers and Conveyers (as needed)
  • Packing Techniques (as needed)

Growth Opportunities:

Employees starting in the material handler – front-end production role have the opportunity to explore other roles within the organization such as warehouse support, inventory support, back-end production support, production, or quality.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • 401k
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional)
 
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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