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Small Equipment Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Discovery Land Company

Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

The Equipment Operator, under the supervision of the Director of Agronomy, Superintendent, or ... Mows greens, tees, fairways and rough with small power mowers, trimmers, greens mower, tee mowers ...

Discovery Land Company

Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

The Equipment Operator, under the supervision of the Director of Agronomy, Superintendent, or ... Mows greens, tees, fairways and rough with small power mowers, trimmers, greens mower, tee mowers ...

Taylor

Equipment Operator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Taylor Corporation is looking for an Equipment Operator I to join our 2nd shift production team. In ... S. states and multiple countries, Taylor serves businesses and distributors both large and small.

Taylor Corporation

Equipment Operator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Taylor Corporation is looking for an Equipment Operator I to join our 2nd shift production team. In ... S. states and multiple countries, Taylor serves businesses and distributors both large and small.

CRH

Equipment Operator/ Leadperson

Stantonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.75/hr

Are you looking for opportunities and benefits of a large corporation with a small company feel? Then Oldcastle Materials is the company for you! Apply for the Equipment Operator today and jump start ...

CRH

Equipment Operator/ Leadperson

Stantonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.75/hr

Are you looking for opportunities and benefits of a large corporation with a small company feel? Then Oldcastle Materials is the company for you! Apply for the Equipment Operator today and jump start ...

Pavement Restorations Inc.

Skilled Labor

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Occasional operation of small equipment such as skid steers, mini excavators, rollers and/or backhoe. Can periodically relieve equipment operator for breaks, and/or assist with equipment moves on ...

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Small Equipment Operator information

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$11

$20

$29

How much do small equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for small equipment operator in Tennessee is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small equipment operator?

Small Equipment Operators are skilled workers who operate a variety of compact machinery, such as skid steers, mini-excavators, forklifts, and trenchers, typically used for construction, landscaping, maintenance, or utility work. They are responsible for safely handling equipment, performing routine inspections, and assisting with job site tasks that require specialized machinery. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential for this role, and operators often work outdoors in various weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a Small Equipment Operator, you need hands-on experience with machinery such as skid steers, forklifts, or compact loaders, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with maintenance checklists, safety protocols, and equipment control systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators stand out on the job site. These skills ensure safe, efficient equipment operation and contribute to overall productivity and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by small equipment operators on construction sites?

Small Equipment Operators often navigate tight spaces and work alongside other teams, which requires careful coordination and communication. Adjusting to varying site conditions, such as uneven terrain or changing weather, can also pose challenges for safe and efficient equipment operation. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant about maintenance and safety checks to prevent breakdowns or accidents. Collaborating effectively with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to ensure tasks are completed on schedule.

How to get a small equipment operator job with no experience?

Small equipment operator jobs often do not require prior experience, but having a valid driver's license, basic mechanical skills, and a willingness to learn are helpful. Entry-level positions may provide on-the-job training, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve your chances. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or volunteering can also increase your employability in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Small Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Small Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Small Equipment Operator jobs in TN?

For Small Equipment Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Small Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Equipment Operator job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,445 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Skilled Laborer (Small Equipment Operator)

Granite Construction, Inc.

Memphis, TN • On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Granite Construction rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 80 rated construction

Job description

LEHMAN-ROBERTS COMPANY - A PROUD TRADITION SINCE 1939
Lehman-Roberts, a Granite Company, has been a part of the fabric of Memphis for more than 85 years. We are dedicated to the manufacturing and placement of quality hot mix asphalt along with surface mining of aggregates from our sister company Memphis Stone & Gravel. Anchoring our company's efforts are the core values of stewardship, humility, continuous improvement, and relationships. With manufacturing facilities located throughout West Tennessee and North Mississippi, we specialize in asphalt production and construction projects ranging from commercial projects to miles of interstate highway paving throughout the Mid-South.
General Summary
The Skilled Asphalt Grading/Paving Laborer position is responsible for performing various duties on construction and/or paving projects. The employee will generally work in utility capacity by transferring from one task to another where demands are required. Duties include but are not limited to rake/lute work, shovel work, dump person, and training as a screed operator and small equipment operator.
Essential Job Accountabilities
  • Follow direction of Foreman as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific project or jobsite.
  • Assist screed operator with ski pole and electronics.
  • Lute joints and hand work sections that cannot be placed by paver.
  • Communicate with screed operator and paver operator about joints/mix.
  • Fill holes and repair all pavement imperfections when needed.
  • Communicate with roller men when mix is ready to be rolled.
  • Assists in the placement, moving and dismantling of signs, barricades, cones and other traffic control devices.
  • At close of shift, clean tools and assist in cleaning equipment.

Education
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Work Experience
  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Workers should be able to:
  • Follow specific directions
  • Perform a variety of duties which may often change
  • Work within standards of accuracy
  • Repeat tasks of short duration according to a set procedure
  • Evaluate information using measurable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:
  • Stand or walk for long periods
  • Use arms and hands to reach for, handle, and manipulate objects
  • Frequently lift and carry materials weighing 50 to 100 pounds
  • Climb up and down ladders, scaffolds, and other objects and carry tools and equipment
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, and see (naturally or with correction).

What can Lehman-Roberts Co do for you?
Working at Lehman-Roberts means being part of our community to build a future while respecting our core values...
  • Are you interested in the opportunity to work for a company that will give you the experience needed to build your career?
  • Would you like to learn and work with some of the best experts in the field?
  • Do you feel a sense of pride knowing a project is built well with safety in mind?

We have committed to leading the highway construction and aggregate industries by rewarding our most valuable resource... our employees! Our benefits include:
  • Paid Vacations/ Holidays
  • Medical/ Dental/ Vision/ Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ Company Match and Profit Sharing
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance and Disability

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Lehman-Roberts Company and/or the Memphis Stone & Gravel Company and their designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-hire drug testing.
It is the policy of Lehman-Roberts Company not to discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy and sexual orientation), national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or because he or she is a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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