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Sr Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Equipment Operator

Pocatello, ID

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

The Senior Equipment Operator is a fully functioning journey level position performing equipment operation and maintenance duties, operating all equipment in an assigned Department. This position is ...

Senior Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Valtir is hiring a Senior Equipment Operator to support our Fort Worth, TX manufacturing facility. Valtir has been an industry leader and global supplier of highway safety products for over 50 years!

Equipment Operator

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Equipment Operator in that the latter performs ...

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Sr Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do sr equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sr 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 a Sr Equipment Operator?

Senior Equipment Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment, often in industries like construction, mining, or manufacturing. They typically have several years of experience and are proficient in handling complex equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, or excavators. In addition to operating machines, Sr Equipment Operators may train junior staff, perform routine maintenance, and ensure all operations comply with safety regulations. Their expertise helps ensure that projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Equipment Operator?

A Sr Equipment Operator needs extensive experience operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and safety systems, as well as certifications like OSHA or NCCCO, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help operators excel in challenging environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, workplace safety, and the successful completion of complex construction or industrial projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a Sr Equipment Operator, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Sr Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as operating complex machinery in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety protocols, and minimizing equipment downtime. Addressing these challenges involves staying up-to-date with regular training, conducting thorough pre-operation inspections, and communicating closely with team members and site supervisors. Building strong situational awareness and proactively reporting any issues can also help ensure smooth operations and a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Sr Equipment Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectSr Equipment OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsValid certifications, experience, possibly specialized trainingBasic certifications, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, heavy machineryConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, mining, oil & gas, infrastructure projectsConstruction, manufacturing, warehousing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advanced roles, career progressionEntry-level position details, job requirements

The main difference between a Sr Equipment Operator and an Equipment Operator lies in experience, certifications, and responsibilities. A Sr Equipment Operator typically has more years of experience, specialized training, and handles more complex tasks. They often supervise or assist less experienced operators. Both roles work in similar environments like construction and industrial sites, but the senior role involves greater expertise and leadership. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers align expectations and qualifications effectively.

More about Sr Equipment Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Sr Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Sr Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Sr Equipment Operator jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Sr Equipment Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Sr Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Senior Heavy Equipment Operator

Turner Mining Group

Soda Springs, ID โ€ข On-site

$36 - $39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate mobile equipment daily based on production needs.

  • Assist with training efforts, safety compliance, and process improvements.

  • Support communication and safety initiatives, including site meetings and hazard reporting.


Job description

Senior Equipment Operator                                   

Reports to: Foreman Turner Mining Group

Job Description:

The Senior Equipment Operator is the most skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. This role will oversee operational quality and efficiency as a strong field leader. The successful candidate must live the Turner Values and be an outward example to others. This position must demonstrate a strong commitment to Safe Production through decision making, priorities, and client relations.

Objectives and Contributions:

The Senior Equipment Operator is focused on key aspects that drive communication and safe production while maintaining a high level of efficiency, proactive training metrics, and preventative maintenance awareness requirements. The Senior Operator demonstrates safety ownership at a personal level and holds other crew members to the same high standard.  The Senior Equipment Operator will train and develop into the Lead Equipment Operator job scope while the Lead Equipment operator is filling in for supervisory duties.

  • Operates mobile equipment as assigned every day based on production needs
  • Work with employees to ensure a high level of accuracy and engagement on hazard identification and control
  • Engage crews and leadership to define processes that motivate working towards common goals
  • Assist with MSHA regulatory training and verify compliance to standards
  • Live the values as part of a visible daily decision-making process
  • Assist with training efforts to grow other operators
  • Assist with training proficiency audits
  • Assist with client specific safety needs as required
  • Support risk assessment processes at various levels of the organization
  • Holds themselves and others accountable for acting like an owner (taking care of equipment, not wasting resources, using time wisely, and being accountable for conditions and behaviors)
  • Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas)

Culture and Communication:

  • Can effectively communicate in English (multi-lingual preferred)
  • Assist with daily lineout meetings and monthly safety topic communications
  • Assist with site communication programs and processes to ensure timely, specific, and value-added information
  • Assist with site and project leaders to identify areas of improvement
  • Work with crews to support proactive near miss reporting
  • Leads by example (walks the talk)

Systems:

  • Ability to perform quality pre-operation machine inspections (Based on mobile equipment physical demands analysis)
  • Able to perform quality workplace examination (per MSHA requirements)
  • Ability to use electronic filing and reporting systems
  • Accurately documents 5000-23 and training checklist requirements
  • Other regulatory & internal / external forms as required

Travel and New Site Development:

  • Maintains a valid and insurable driving license
  • Available to travel on short notice to support timelines and production requirements at existing sites (Preferred)

Supervisory / Leadership Duties

  • Learn and assist with key performance indicators, company targets, and daily progress reporting
  • Assist in employee timekeeping and production reports
  • Maintains compliance to Turner Mining Group Policies and Procedures including Fit for Duty requirements
  • Upholds Code of Conduct requirements
  • Spend time with maintenance, and site supervision to build relationships and develop trust
  • Assist with development / implement processes to reduce and eliminate repeat incidents

Time and Interactions:

  • The Senior Equipment Operator must be flexible on shift schedules (days and nights) to assist with training and production needs
  • The Senior Equipment Operator will be self-starting, motivated, with a strong desire to be part of a team and to influence improvement. Communication is also critical to keep leadership and site-based personnel in the loop of successes, challenges, and any additional support that may be required
  • Interacts with client supervision to discuss production challenges, targets, and collaboration between teams
  • Excellent time management skills

Qualifications:

  • Smart phone navigation
  • Willingness and ability to adhere to OSHA / MSHA regulatory requirements
  • 3-5 years' experience in mining / heavy industry preferred
  • Working knowledge of safety systems and processes
  • Appropriate attention to detail required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong morals and values
  • Exemplary attendance record
  • Exemplary safety and disciplinary record
  • Willingness to be flexible on daily job duty requirements
  • Maintains a positive outspoken learning attitude
  • The Senior Equipment Operator must pass and maintain Turner Mining Group mobile equipment skills qualifications on each piece of the following equipment:
    • Production excavator,
  • Production loader,
  • Support excavator,
  • Dozer
  • Support loader,
  • Grader
  • Water truck,
  • Haulage truck
  • In addition to the job skills above, there may be requirements for manual tasks to be completed to meet other business needs. Operators in any job duty classification may be required to participate in these additional tasks.

     Other Duties:

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements listed below are essential functions of this position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Weight Requirement: Ability to meet equipment manufacturer's safety requirements, including a body weight under 330 pounds.
  • Mobility & Posture: Ability to kneel, crouch, squat, climb stairs, and climb ladders repeatedly.
  • Reaching & Movement: Ability to reach forward and overhead, and to perform sustained or repetitive movements of the neck, hands, wrists, and ankles/feet.
  • Strength & Endurance: Ability to push and pull with a force of at least 55 pounds.
    • Ability to lift, carry, and set down objects weighing up to 85 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and carry objects overhead weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and move items from floor level to waist, shoulder, and overhead levels.
  • Ability to carry weights over distances of at least 20 feet.
  • Repetition & Duration: Ability to perform the above motions multiple times in succession and sustain activity for extended periods.