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Operator Heavy Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

TAPANI, Inc.

Operator - Heavy Equipment

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$29.04 - $39.09/hr

Tapani Careers Job Summary The Heavy Equipment 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 ...

Mesa Contracting LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$42.04 - $52.55/hr

Mesa Contracting, LLC in Sherwood, OR is looking to hire a full-time Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy machinery for construction projects throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Do ...

Mesa Contracting LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$42.04 - $52.55/hr

Mesa Contracting, LLC in Sherwood, OR is looking to hire a full-time Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy machinery for construction projects throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Do ...

City of McMinnville

Heavy Equipment Operator

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$20.91 - $22.85/hr

The City of McMinnville is looking for an energetic and experience Heavy Equipment Operator for our Public Works Department. This position plays an important role in maintaining the streets and ...

Kerr Contractors

Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Demonstrated knowledge and competency in operating various types of heavy equipment * Extensive earthwork and grading experience utilizing machinery for tasks such as: Mass earthwork, Loading of ...

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All JobsOperator Heavy JobsOperator Heavy Jobs in Portland, OR

Operator Heavy information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$25

$35

How much do operator heavy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator heavy in Portland, OR is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator heavy?

An Operator Heavy, also known as a Heavy Equipment Operator, is a skilled professional who operates large machinery and equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders. These operators are essential in construction, mining, roadwork, and other industries that require the movement of earth and materials. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment, performing basic maintenance, and following safety protocols on job sites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator, you need hands-on experience with machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant certifications or licenses. Familiarity with GPS, grade control systems, and safety regulations is typically required on the job. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work in a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and help prevent accidents on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy equipment operators on construction sites, and how can they be addressed?

Heavy Equipment Operators often face challenges such as navigating tight workspaces, maintaining constant attention to safety protocols, and adapting to varying weather conditions. Communication with crew members is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure smooth coordination, especially when working alongside other machinery or trades. Staying updated with equipment maintenance and regularly participating in safety training can help operators effectively manage these challenges and maintain high performance on the job.

What is the difference between Operator Heavy vs Operator Light?

AspectOperator HeavyOperator Light
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA safety trainingBasic safety training, standard driver's license
Work EnvironmentHeavy machinery, construction sites, industrial settingsLight equipment, urban areas, less physically demanding
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, mining, heavy manufacturingLogistics, delivery services, light industrial
Common Search & ComparisonOperator Heavy vs Operator Light

Operator Heavy typically involves operating large, heavy machinery in industrial or construction environments, requiring specialized certifications like a CDL. Operator Light handles smaller equipment in less demanding settings, often needing only basic safety training. The roles differ mainly in equipment size, work environment, and certification requirements, but both are essential in their respective industries.

What does a heavy equipment operator do?

A heavy equipment operator controls and maintains large machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators used in construction, mining, and other industries. They perform tasks like digging, lifting, and moving materials, often requiring certification and knowledge of safety protocols. The job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and following precise operational procedures.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Operator Heavy jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Operator Heavy job openings:

Operator Heavy jobs near you

Operator - Heavy Equipment

Battle Ground, WA • On-site

TAPANI, Inc.
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about TAPANI, Inc.external

$29.04 - $39.09/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours 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 Heavy Equipment 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.
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: $29.04 - $39.09 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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