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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA

Heavy Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$15 - $23.50/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Reports to: Public Works Director Department: Public Works FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Summary of Position: Operation of heavy equipment vehicles, tools and other equipment to ...

The heavy equipment operator's duties include preparing and manipulating heavy equipment to ensure the appropriate movement of materials and liaising with coworkers to ensure that the projects are ...

The heavy equipment operator's duties include preparing and manipulating heavy equipment to ensure the appropriate movement of materials and liaising with coworkers to ensure that the projects are ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary heavy equipment operator in Decatur, GA is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.30 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 popular job titles related to Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,162 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Rockdale County, Georgia

Conyers, GA โ€ข On-site

$20.65 - $22.26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Employees in this class perform skilled work operating various types of equipment in the repair and maintenance of county roads, streets and drainage systems, parks, facilities, and other areas for an assigned department. This is the highest level classification in this series. Employees in this class operate large vehicles and complex heavy equipment. This class is further differentiated from the Equipment Operator II classification by the addition of supervisor duties in the supervisor’s absence. Employees are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of equipment and for making necessary safety and maintenance checks.


Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Operates assigned equipment in the maintenance and repair of one or more of the following: County roads, streets, drainage systems, the Recycling Center, parks, facilities, etc., including gasoline and diesel-powered automotive and heavy equipment, light to medium-duty trucks, tractors, motor graders, excavators, grade-alls, packers, rollers and various machines, tools, and powered equipment.

May mow county right-of-way of high grass.

Hauls materials to and from the site; secures site; grades and final grades.

Repairs streets by assisting with paving and patching.

Pours and finishes concrete driveways, sidewalks, spillways, and catch basin lids.

Cleans gutters, sidewalks, catch basins, drop inlets, and facilities.

Performs daily inspections on vehicles and equipment used on the job; documents and records missing equipment and/or needed repairs.

Sets up work zone Controls, flags, and directs traffic at repair sites.

Checks and maintains equipment, trucks, trailers, and power tools.

Collects and disposes of debris, trash, etc., on the job site.

Redefines ditch lines and re-claims roads.

Supervises crew in the absence of the supervisor.

Additional Duties:

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic guidelines for trenching and traffic control and safety measures for the crew, public, and equipment.

Knowledge of State of Georgia motor vehicle laws.

Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County.

Knowledge of county and department policies and procedures.

Skill in proper operation and basic repair of machinery and trucks used in the assigned section.

Skill in the proper use of materials, manual and power tools, methods, and techniques used in construction, maintenance, and repair activities.

Ability to recognize hazardous materials and situations and respond according to training and county policies and procedures.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Must have oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make fine distinctions in sound.

Ability to obtain certification in flagging.

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, the general public, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, balance, kneel, or stoop for extended periods of time.

Ability to use equipment that requires a high level of dexterity.

Ability to lift more than 60 pounds, unassisted.

Ability to see, including color, depth, and texture perception.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, and possible sustained periods in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as gloves and safety jackets.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. High School diploma or equivalent.
  1. Three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operations.
  1. OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  1. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Georgia Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  1. Must have flagging certification.

Preference

  1. Vocational training in equipment operations.