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Open Pit Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SSR Mining, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Valmy, NV · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Reporting to the Crew Supervisor, the Heavy Equipment Operator typically works a 5x4 rotating day and night schedule in an open-pit mining operation. The heavy equipment operator is responsible for ...

GXO

PIT Operator

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

consol

Black Thunder Mine - Equipment Operator 1

Wright, WY

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Safety, Sustainability and Continuous Improvement. • Operating heavy earth-moving and support equipment in open pit coal mining operation, equipment includes: 240 and 320+ ton haul trucks, 24H ...

Verstela

1st Shift - Equipment Operator

Southaven, MS

$20.50/hr

Are you an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator looking for a full-time, temp-to-hire opportunity ... Use of PIT up to 15,000 lbs. in a safe and efficient manner including Sit-down Forklift, Reach ...

i-80 Gold Corp.

Mobile Equipment Operator

NV · On-site

Our development plan encompasses five gold projects, including both open pit and underground mines ... Position: Equipment Operator i-80 Gold Corp is seeking a candidate to fill the position of ...

GXO Warehouse Company, Inc.

PIT Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

North Chesterfield, VA

$17 - $20.50/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

North Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Operating PIT Equipment: Safely and effectively operating various PIT equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other specialized vehicles. * Order Fulfillment: Locating and retrieving ...

Ledcor Group

Open Pit Driller

Tucson, AZ

Perform basic troubleshooting and minor maintenance to reduce downtime and keep equipment running at peak performance Qualifications: * Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary ...

Ledcor Group

Open Pit Driller

Mayer, AZ

Perform basic troubleshooting and minor maintenance to reduce downtime and keep equipment running at peak performance Qualifications: * Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary ...

Ledcor Group

Open Pit Driller

Yuma, AZ

Perform basic troubleshooting and minor maintenance to reduce downtime and keep equipment running at peak performance Qualifications: * Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary ...

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Open Pit Equipment Operator information

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How much do open pit equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for open pit equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Open Pit Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectOpen Pit Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in equipment operationHigh school diploma, certifications in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentMining sites, open-pit minesConstruction sites, mining, and industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in mining and quarryingConstruction, mining, forestry, and industrial sectors

Open Pit Equipment Operators specialize in operating machinery specifically for open-pit mining operations, focusing on extracting minerals from large surface mines. Heavy Equipment Operators have a broader role, working across various industries with different types of machinery. While both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments, Open Pit Equipment Operators are more specialized in mining operations.

What is an open pit equipment operator?

Open Pit Equipment Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery used in open-pit mines, such as haul trucks, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. Their primary role is to move earth, ore, and other materials efficiently and safely to support mining operations. They are responsible for conducting equipment inspections, following safety protocols, and communicating with other team members to ensure smooth operation. This role requires technical knowledge of machinery, attention to detail, and adherence to strict safety standards.

What challenges do open pit equipment operators face, and how can they be managed?

Open Pit Equipment Operators often work in challenging outdoor environments, dealing with factors like changing weather, uneven terrain, and long shifts. Maintaining constant attention to safety protocols and equipment maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents and minimize downtime. Effective communication with supervisors and team members is also essential, as operators must coordinate closely with other personnel to ensure efficient and safe movement of materials. Proactively addressing fatigue and staying up-to-date with training helps operators manage these challenges and perform at their best.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an open pit equipment operator?

To thrive as an Open Pit Equipment Operator, you need experience in operating heavy machinery such as haul trucks, loaders, or excavators, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, equipment monitoring technologies, and adherence to mine safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing equipment downtime in a hazardous mining environment.

What states have the most Open Pit Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Open Pit Equipment Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Open Pit Equipment Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Open Pit Equipment Operator jobs are:

Open Pit Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Open Pit 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 $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

IJW Whiskey Company

Winnemucca, NV • On-site

$41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Solidus Resources is a U.S.-based gold development company backed by Waterton Mining. The Spring Valley Gold Project is located in the prolific Humboldt Range, an area with approximately 60 million ounces of gold endowment within a 50-mile radius.
The Spring Valley Project is a large-scale open pit gold heap leach operation, with a >10 year mine life and a production profile in excess of 300,000 oz annually. Using 300-ton class autonomous mining haul trucks and hydraulic shovels, the higher-grade ore will be crushed in a 13 Mst/a three stage crushing facility with a ½" product size that is conveyed and placed on the heap leach pad with stackers, while the low-grade run-of-mine ore will be directly stacked using the mine truck fleet. The conventional heap leach pad is segregated into these two operating areas where it will be irrigated, with leach solutions collected and processed into dore bars through the ADR facility. Site infrastructure to support the operation such as haul roads, waste rock storage facilities, truck shops, water management, warehouses, offices, and associated facilities are also included in the project scope.
Position Overview:
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently operates heavy mobile equipment in an open-pit gold mining environment to support mining, material movement, stockpiling, and road maintenance activities. The role includes conducting pre-operational inspections, reporting hazards and equipment issues, performing basic troubleshooting, and working with supervisors, dispatch, maintenance, and other operators to achieve production targets while maintaining high standards of safety,environmental stewardship, and equipment care.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate heavy mining equipment including hydraulic shovels, D9-D11 dozers, front-end loaders (CAT 985, 988, 994, 995 or equivalent), graders (CAT 14, 16, 24 or equivalent), and other equipment as assigned in an Autonomous Haulage Working Environment.
  • Perform production activities including loading, hauling support, stockpile management, road construction and maintenance, waste movement, and pit clean-up.
  • Operate equipment in accordance with company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), mine plans, and supervisor instructions.
  • Conduct and document thorough pre-operational inspections and complete required equipment logbooks and operating reports.
  • Continuously monitor equipment performance, gauges, warning systems, and operating conditions during each shift.
  • Identify, report, and where appropriate, correct unsafe conditions, ground hazards, road deficiencies, or equipment defects.
  • Maintain safe working distances and effective radio communication with dispatch, supervisors, and other equipment operators.
  • Assist in building and maintaining haul roads, berms, dumps, stockpiles, and other mine infrastructure as required.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting and assist maintenance personnel with inspections and minor repairs when appropriate.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure equipment is left in a safe operating condition at shift change.
  • Comply with all health, safety, environmental, and operational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Work effectively as part of a team to achieve daily production and operational goals.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience, preferably in an open-pit mining environment.
  • Experience operating one or more of the following:
    • Haul Trucks,
    • CAT 966/988 Loader (or equivalent)
    • D9-D11 Dozer
    • Cat 395 Excavator (or equivalent
    • CAT 994/995 Loader (or equivalent)
    • CAT 14/16/24 Grader (or equivalent)
    • Hydraulic/Rope Shovel
    • Hydraulic shovel experience is considered an asset
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Heavy equipment operator training and/or manufacturer certifications (e.g., CAT) are considered an asset.
  • Valid driver's licence.
  • Strong commitment to safe work practices and the ability to operate safely in an active mining environment.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to complete pre-operational inspections and identify equipment deficiencies.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Experience with Mine Dispatching and Operational Technology Systems such as CAT Minestar, CAT Terrain, Modular Mining, or Wenco is a definite asset
  • Having worked in an Autonomous Mining Environment with exposure to CAT MineStar Command for Haulage or Komatsu Front Runner would be a definite asset.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and meet the physical demands of the role.

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