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Top Pick Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cherry Picker Operator (Crown) We are seeking an experienced Cherry Picker (Crown) Operator to join ... About Midway Staffing Midway Staffing is a fast-growing organization dedicated to connecting top ...

Warehouse Worker

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

As a member of our team you will be tasked with operating various types of power industrial ... truck, top pick, etc.) Work Conditions This position is in a warehouse facility and involves ...

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Top Pick Operator information

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$12

$17

$21

How much do top pick operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for top pick operator in the United States is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a top pick operator?

Top Pick Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy machinery known as top picks, which are specialized forklifts or cranes designed to lift and move large shipping containers in ports, rail yards, or warehouses. Their main duties include safely loading, unloading, stacking, and organizing containers to facilitate cargo handling and logistics operations. Top Pick Operators must have a strong understanding of equipment controls, safety protocols, and efficient workflow processes to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations. This role often requires certification and experience in operating heavy equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a top pick operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Top Pick Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, equipment safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant equipment operator certifications. Familiarity with operating top pick container handlers, routine maintenance procedures, and sometimes computerized inventory or logistics systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations. These abilities are vital for preventing accidents, minimizing downtime, and ensuring smooth movement of cargo containers in busy port or warehouse environments.

What are some common challenges a top pick operator faces during a typical shift?

Top Pick Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling large and heavy equipment safely, and managing tight schedules in fast-paced environments like ports or warehouses. They must stay alert to avoid accidents and ensure efficient movement of containers or heavy loads. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is crucial for coordinating tasks and minimizing downtime. Adapting to new equipment or technologies may also be required as operations evolve.

What is the difference between Top Pick Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectTop Pick OperatorEquipment Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized certificationsHigh school diploma, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plantsConstruction sites, factories, outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, miningConstruction, logistics, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for job responsibilities and certificationsRelated but more focused on specific machinery

The Top Pick Operator and Equipment Operator roles share similar work environments and industry usage, often requiring certifications related to machinery operation. However, the Top Pick Operator typically has broader responsibilities, possibly overseeing multiple equipment types or operations, while Equipment Operators focus on specific machinery. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial sectors, with the Top Pick Operator often seen as a more advanced or supervisory position.

Which top pick operator job pays the most?

Top pick operator jobs in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and construction tend to offer higher salaries, especially for roles requiring specialized skills or certifications like forklift or heavy equipment operation. Generally, operators of complex machinery or those with extensive experience and safety training earn the highest wages in this field.

What cities are hiring for Top Pick Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Top Pick Operator job openings:

What states have the most Top Pick Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Top Pick Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Top Pick Operator jobs?

For Top Pick Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Top Pick Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,379 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic A

Goshen, NY • On-site

Interstate Waste Services
Environmental Consulting Services • 1 - 5K employees

$26 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview:

The Heavy Equipment Mobile Mechanic independently performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and emergency field service on off-highway heavy equipment and related support equipment. The mechanic travels between assigned locations and worksites, brings the right tools and parts to each job, confirms equipment is safe and operational before release, and documents labor, parts, findings, repairs, and follow-up needs in the fleet maintenance system. This position combines strong diesel, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, powertrain, brake, HVAC, and fabrication skills with sound judgment, urgency, organization, and professional communication. The role requires comfort working with limited direct supervision while remaining fully accountable to IWS Maintenance and Safety Programs.

Essential Job Summary::

  • Perform field repairs and preventive maintenance with limited or no on-site supervision in accordance with IWS Maintenance and Safety Programs.
  • Diagnose and repair diesel engines, fuel and aftertreatment systems, hydraulic circuits and components, electrical and electronic systems, powertrain, transmissions, drivelines, brakes, steering, suspension, HVAC, and related machine systems.
  • Service equipment that may include wheel loaders, excavators, compactors, skid steers, material handlers, rail equipment, water trucks, reach stackers, top-pick stackers, and other industrial or support equipment.
  • Respond to equipment failures at transfer stations, rail yards, yards, and other assigned operating locations. Safely assess the work area and determine whether to repair on site, secure the equipment, or recommend transport or vendor support.
  • Use OEM service information, schematics, technical manuals, computerized diagnostic tools, onboard monitoring, fault codes, telematics, pressure and electrical test equipment, and sound troubleshooting methods to identify root causes.
  • Complete machine inspections and operational tests before and after repair. Verify that guards, safety devices, alarms, brakes, lights, and repaired systems function properly before returning equipment to service.
  • Plan and prioritize daily work across multiple locations based on safety risk, operational impact, PM requirements, parts availability, and direction from maintenance leadership.
  • Coordinate professionally with equipment operators, site management, maintenance leadership, parts personnel, vendors, and other technicians. Communicate arrival expectations, diagnosis, status, delays, and next actions.
  • Operate and care for the assigned service truck. Complete required inspections; maintain tools, fluids, spill-response materials, common parts, and safe housekeeping; and report vehicle or equipment defects promptly.
  • Document parts used, labor hours, meter readings, failure descriptions, cause, correction, verification, photos when required, and recommended repairs in the fleet maintenance system before closing or updating repair orders.
  • Identify recurring failures, unsafe conditions, abuse or misuse concerns, and reliability opportunities. Escalate critical findings and recommend practical corrective actions.
  • Perform basic welding, cutting, drilling, component removal and installation, hose or fitting replacement, and field fabrication when qualified and when conditions allow the work to be completed safely.
  • Follow lockout/tagout, blocking and cribbing, fall protection, hot-work, spill prevention, PPE, traffic-control, and site-specific requirements applicable to the task.
  • Participate in after-hours, overtime, weekend, or emergency coverage as business needs require.
  • Perform other maintenance-related duties consistent with the role.

Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.:

  • Perform field repairs and preventive maintenance with limited or no on-site supervision in accordance with IWS Maintenance and Safety Programs.
  • Diagnose and repair diesel engines, fuel and aftertreatment systems, hydraulic circuits and components, electrical and electronic systems, powertrain, transmissions, drivelines, brakes, steering, suspension, HVAC, and related machine systems.
  • Service equipment that may include wheel loaders, excavators, compactors, skid steers, material handlers, rail equipment, water trucks, reach stackers, top-pick stackers, and other industrial or support equipment.
  • Respond to equipment failures at transfer stations, rail yards, yards, and other assigned operating locations. Safely assess the work area and determine whether to repair on site, secure the equipment, or recommend transport or vendor support.
  • Use OEM service information, schematics, technical manuals, computerized diagnostic tools, onboard monitoring, fault codes, telematics, pressure and electrical test equipment, and sound troubleshooting methods to identify root causes.
  • Complete machine inspections and operational tests before and after repair. Verify that guards, safety devices, alarms, brakes, lights, and repaired systems function properly before returning equipment to service.
  • Plan and prioritize daily work across multiple locations based on safety risk, operational impact, PM requirements, parts availability, and direction from maintenance leadership.
  • Coordinate professionally with equipment operators, site management, maintenance leadership, parts personnel, vendors, and other technicians. Communicate arrival expectations, diagnosis, status, delays, and next actions.
  • Operate and care for the assigned service truck. Complete required inspections; maintain tools, fluids, spill-response materials, common parts, and safe housekeeping; and report vehicle or equipment defects promptly.
  • Document parts used, labor hours, meter readings, failure descriptions, cause, correction, verification, photos when required, and recommended repairs in the fleet maintenance system before closing or updating repair orders.
  • Identify recurring failures, unsafe conditions, abuse or misuse concerns, and reliability opportunities. Escalate critical findings and recommend practical corrective actions.
  • Perform basic welding, cutting, drilling, component removal and installation, hose or fitting replacement, and field fabrication when qualified and when conditions allow the work to be completed safely.
  • Follow lockout/tagout, blocking and cribbing, fall protection, hot-work, spill prevention, PPE, traffic-control, and site-specific requirements applicable to the task.
  • Participate in after-hours, overtime, weekend, or emergency coverage as business needs require.
  • Perform other maintenance-related duties consistent with the role.

Requirements and Qualifications::

  • CDL, applicable ASE certifications, manufacturer training, or heavy-equipment technician certification.
  • Experience supporting waste and recycling, transfer-station, rail, landfill, construction, aggregate, or other high-utilization industrial equipment.
  • Experience with telematics, emissions and aftertreatment diagnostics, CAN-bus troubleshooting, and advanced electrical testing.
  • Welding and fabrication capability, including safe field repair practices.
  • Forklift or mobile-equipment operator certification and EPA Section 608 certification, where applicable.
  • Experience managing a service truck, mobile parts inventory, and independent field-service workload.

Work Environment

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Required to use motor coordination with arm, hand, finger, and leg dexterity.
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 25 pounds frequently.
  • Requires pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting up to 75 lbs.
  • Normal setting for this job is a heavy equipment maintenance facility or outdoors.
  • Will be exposed to a physical environment, which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, or similar elements most of the workday.

Company Culture and Benefits

At Interstate Waste Service, we value our employees and offer a supportive and inclusive work environment. We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help our team members grow in their careers. Our benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Additional Information:

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary Range Minimum: USD $28.91/Hr. Salary Range Maximum: USD $35.00/Hr.


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