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Reclamation Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator in Cliffside, NC * Full-time position * Rotating Shift: * Working 7 days ... Unload and reclaim limestone and coal * Maintenance, trouble shooting and repairing facilities ...

Water Reclamation Facility, Midland, TX, TX Job Type: Full-time Department: Utilities Division ... As an Equipment Operator I, you'll work hands-on to protect public health and support the essential ...

Equipment Operator (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (AES)

Moraine, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (AES)

Moraine, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (DUKE)

Charlotte, NC

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (FPL)

East Palatka, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (AES)

Moraine, OH

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC

$17 - $23.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

Equipment Operator (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of ... ROW Reclamation/Widening * Erosion Control * Access Matting * Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We ...

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Reclamation Equipment Operator information

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$14

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$33

How much do reclamation equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for reclamation equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectReclamation Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, reclamation projects, earthworksConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental, civil construction, government reclamation agenciesConstruction, mining, transportation industries

Both roles require safety training and operate similar machinery, but Reclamation Equipment Operators focus on environmental restoration and land reclamation projects, while Heavy Equipment Operators work across broader construction and industrial sites. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on their skills and career goals.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Reclamation Equipment Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles like project managers, consultants, or contractors in high-risk industries. These positions often require extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments, which can lead to higher pay rates.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized or heavy machinery such as crane operators, excavator operators, or bulldozer operators, especially with extensive experience and certifications. In reclamation or construction, crane operators tend to earn the highest wages due to the complexity and skill required for their work.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

Reclamation equipment operators, a type of heavy equipment operator, can earn high wages depending on experience, certifications, and location. In general, specialized operators such as crane or excavator operators tend to have higher salaries, with top earners making over $70,000 annually in some regions. Advanced skills, safety training, and working in remote or demanding environments can also increase earning potential.

What are Reclamation Equipment Operators?

Reclamation Equipment Operators are professionals who operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment to restore land after mining, construction, or other industrial activities. Their work includes grading earth, planting vegetation, and ensuring that land is returned to a safe and usable condition. They may use bulldozers, excavators, seeders, and other tools to reshape the landscape and prevent erosion. These operators often work with environmental engineers and follow strict safety and environmental regulations. Their efforts help rehabilitate ecosystems and support long-term land sustainability.

Can you make 100k as a heavy equipment operator?

Reclamation equipment operators can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments or overtime. Factors such as certifications, location, and the complexity of equipment operated influence earning potential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Reclamation Equipment Operator and how does this role interact with other team members on site?

As a Reclamation Equipment Operator, your daily tasks involve operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and graders to restore land after mining or construction activities. You'll frequently assess site conditions, follow environmental regulations, and ensure the proper placement of soil and vegetation. Collaboration is key—you'll work closely with environmental engineers, site supervisors, and other equipment operators to meet project goals and safety standards. Effective communication and teamwork help ensure that reclamation projects are completed efficiently and in compliance with all regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reclamation Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reclamation Equipment Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy machinery, understanding soil and land restoration principles, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment like bulldozers, excavators, GPS-guided systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant land reclamation projects.
Infographic showing various Reclamation Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator III - Regional Wastewater Reclamation

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ

$23.28 - $27.36/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Regional Wastewater ReclamationJob Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5685 - Equipment Operator III

Salary Grade: 8

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $23.28 - $27.36 Per Hour

Pay Range: $23.28 - $31.44 Per Hour

Range Explanation:

  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on04/03/2026.

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of heavy Equipment Operator III. This role is integral to our mission of safeguarding public health and protecting the environment through effective wastewater and solid waste management. In this position, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining specialized equipment used in construction, system operations, site clean-up, material transport, and waste disposal. Specific duties may vary depending on the assigned area. Some assignments may involve significant interaction with the public and working in environments that include hazardous conditions, exposure to noxious or potentially harmful materials, and unpleasant odors. If you are looking for a career in an industrial setting, have experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator, enjoy a teamwork environment, and meet the minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Class A CDL Required.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Operates a variety of equipment such as graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks, and front-end loaders, in a wastewater treatment facility, to maintain, transfer, and transport waste products;

  • Operates compactors and conveyors to move waste material and load dump trucks for transport to drying beds or landfill; Moves waste materials and loads dump trucks for transport to drying beds or designated landfill sites using appropriate equipment;

  • Watches for and removes materials or items that may clog the conveyor system; Removes debris or blockages to maintain safe and efficient equipment operation;

  • Assists in cleaning sludge from aerators, tanks, and ponds using a skid steer, crane, or dump truck and appropriate personal safety equipment or clothing, and must be confined-space certified;

  • Performs sludge removal from aerators, tanks, and ponds using heavy equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).Uses hand tools or equipment to load sludge from the bottom of aerators into buckets for leading into dump truck;

  • Uses hand tools or equipment to clean and perform minor repairs on machinery, remove fallen debris, and clear areas that are too delicate for heavy equipment;

  • Hauls waste material to landfill, ensuring compliance with environmental and dumping regulations as needed;

  • Maintains drying beds clean and uses appropriate equipment to move waste material to assure even drying;

  • Uses a front-end loader, grader, and/or dump truck to maintain drying beds, ponds, and nearby areas free of weeds and trimming trees;

  • Uses a backhoe to excavate around high-volume lines and valves or repair sinkholes;

  • Operates vacuum trucks to clean out sumps;

  • Performs minor equipment repairs and servicing;

  • Participates in a variety of manual labor tasks when assisting mechanics and technicians;

  • Operate and maintain a 3:1 slope ratio on embankments;

  • Hauls liquid waste from outlying plants to designated disposal facilities using a semi-truck with a smoothbore trailer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years of total experience in the combination of heavy equipment AND experience driving CDL Class A vehicles.

(Completion of a vocational/technical program from an accredited college or technical school in heavy equipment operations may be substituted for six months of the required experience.)

(Heavy equipment may include street sweepers, water trucks, asphaltic materials distributors, front-end loaders, grader/scrapers, backhoes, bulldozers, trenchers, tractors, tractor/semi-trailer combinations, and like equipment.)

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

OR:

Three years of experience with Pima County as an Equipment Operator II.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

  • Minimum three (3) years experience in operating a variety of equipment such as graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks, tankers, and front-end loaders.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience in over-the-road wet and dry material transporting and trailering equipment.

  • Experience with/knowledge of traffic laws, local, state, and federal rules and regulations as applied to vehicle and heavy equipment operation procedures.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:


Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license is required at time of application.ValidAZdriver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.This position requires a valid Arizona Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) at the time of application. Additionally, a Tanker Endorsement must be obtained prior to completion of the first six months in the position. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure and endorsement shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Positions requiring a CDL are also subject to applicable State of Arizona and federal standards, rules, and regulations on physical requirements, including drug and alcohol testing.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Constantly operates and inspects mechanical equipment. Constantly positions self to use, inspect, clean or repair tools and machinery. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently required to exchange accurate information. Frequently remains in a stationary position. Frequently moves tools and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds across the manufacturing floor. Frequently operates a motor vehicle safely and legally, in accordance with applicable state and federal transportation laws. Occasionally moves tools and equipment weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds across the manufacturing floor. Occasionally ascends/descends machinery and equipment to repair/service.

Working Conditions: Constantly exposed to loud noise levels. Constantly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasionally exposed to mechanical oils, vibration, and risk of electrical shock. Work in extremes of heat, humidity, dust, or cold.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.