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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material ...

Harmon Scrap Metal

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a ...

Gillmann Services Inc.

Be Seen First

Operator - Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - TEMP TO PERM AFTER 90 DAYS!! DOZER OPERATORS AND EXCAVATOR OPERATOR** RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS: · Must comply with company, state and governmental health and safety ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Southeast Environmental business is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator-Environmental & Construction Field Technician/Crew Member to join their field team in Decatur, AL. As a Technician ...

Action

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

Action Enterprise

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries ...

SA Recycling

Travel Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Equipment Operator will travel with their own vehicle to various yards to support our North ... Crush, load, and unload items using heavy equipment. * Safely clean equipment when jams occur

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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

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$22

$31

How much do temporary heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary heavy equipment operator in Decatur, AL is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary heavy equipment operator?

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators are workers hired on a short-term basis to operate machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, or cranes at construction sites, municipal projects, or industrial facilities. Their main duties include moving earth, materials, or equipment, often to support construction or maintenance projects. They must follow safety protocols and may be responsible for basic maintenance of the equipment. Temporary positions are typically filled to meet seasonal demand, cover absences, or assist with special projects. While the role is temporary, it requires the same level of skill, training, and certification as a permanent operator.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator, you need experience operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, or loaders, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid equipment operator's license. Familiarity with safety regulations, equipment maintenance procedures, and often OSHA or other relevant certifications is important. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities are essential to ensure equipment is used properly, minimize accidents, and support timely project completion.

What are the biggest challenges faced by temporary heavy equipment operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new job sites, equipment models, and safety protocols. Since assignments may be short-term, operators must efficiently learn site-specific procedures and build rapport with permanent staff to ensure smooth operations. Staying proactive about communication, reviewing safety guidelines for each new environment, and maintaining flexibility are key strategies for managing these transitions and performing effectively in temporary roles.

What is the difference between Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator vs Permanent Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectTemporary Heavy Equipment OperatorPermanent Heavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, short-term projectsLong-term construction, infrastructure, or mining sites
Employment DurationTemporary, project-basedFull-time, ongoing employment
Job StabilityLess stable, contract-basedMore stable, benefits included

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operators work on short-term projects and often have contract-based employment, while Permanent Heavy Equipment Operators are employed full-time with ongoing benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial environments, but the employment duration and job stability differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,244 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Athens, AL • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material handlers, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other pieces of heavy or light equipment. Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading and unloading trucks, and moving materials safely about the yard. This position requires attention to detail and a strong emphasis on safety.

ABOUT HARMON SCRAP METAL

We are Harmon Scrap Metal, we recycle by processing scrap metal, and we are growing by the day. Our mission is to empower people to recycle the past to impact the future. We are intentional and disciplined in our pursuit to see every team member reach their personal, professional, and financial goals through the work we do together. Our core values, Discipline, Trust, Accountability, Alignment, and Adaptability and Safety are the backbone of our business. They guide our hiring process and daily operations. We are transparent and results-oriented in all we do.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

  • Properly follow company and OSHA safety procedures; attend safety meetings and participate in safety program
  • Operate heavy equipment of various sizes, including material handler, loaders, skid steers, etc.
  • Duties include but are not limited to loading scrap into trailers, unloading vehicles, moving material throughout the yard, loading trucks
  • Perform daily pre-operation inspections on equipment, reporting any defects or needed repairs via CRMM app
  • Keep grounds clear of debris while maintaining safety standards
  • General labor duties that may include but not limited to sweeping, shoveling and general clean-up of any area and/or equipment throughout the yard
  • Effectively communicate over radio with teammates and truck drivers for traffic coordination, production, and safety procedures
  • Attend and participate in internal meetings and complete required training
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by management

BENEFITS

  • Company Paid Life Insurance, STD, Employee Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO Program
  • Professional Training & Development Opportunities

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Harmon Scrap Metal recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to careers@harmonscrapmetal.com.

Disclaimer: The sorting and processing of scrap metals involves using permanent magnets and electromagnets, creating magnetic fields, which can interfere with electronic medical devices like cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators.

Requirements:

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Thorough understanding of practices involved in the use of various types of light and heavy equipment
  • Thorough understanding of maintenance and basic upkeep associated with light and heavy equipment
  • Thorough understanding of safety protocols and ability to safely operate machinery
  • Superior skill operating assigned equipment safely and efficiently
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety manuals and procedure manuals

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • 2 years of experience using a front-end loader, skid steer or scrap handler in an industrial/outdoor work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles
  • Ability to operate equipment under varying working conditions
  • Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Sit for extended periods, up to 15 feet from ground level
  • Ability to lift, push, or pull a minimum of 50 pounds
  • Frequently climb up and down ladders; crouch and bend at the knee; stoop or bend at the waist; reach arms overhead; and twist and turn at the neck and trunk
  • Continually handle and grasp levers and dials; continuous leg and foot motion when using pedals
  • Work environment involves frequent and/or regular exposure to natural and unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises
  • Walk frequently on uneven surfaces