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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Meridian Waste

Heavy Equipment Operator

Wendell, NC · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Pike Corporation

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. This position works at various locations. The position may also be required to travel to another ...

Pike Corporation

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. This position works at various locations. The position may also be required to travel to another ...

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Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary heavy equipment operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Meridian Waste

Wendell, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Meridian Waste rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Summary:

The Operator – Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rear-view camera are clean.
  • Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.
  • Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair.
  • Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
  • Follow and comply with all safety policies.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/ and or Experience:

  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company’s safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
  • Experience in the Solid Waste Industry preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Lifting (50-100 pounds), outside environment
 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Outdoors

In addition to the above, the performance of other related duties may be required.

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