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Track Hoe Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Nucor

Heavy Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$80K/yr

... excavator, front end loader, backhoe, track hoe, grapple or magnet material handlers ... Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles. * Ability to operate equipment under varying ...

Nucor

Heavy Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$80K/yr

... excavator, front end loader, backhoe, track hoe, grapple or magnet material handlers ... Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles. * Ability to operate equipment under varying ...

CRH

Plant Maintenance Night Shift

Olive Hill, KY · On-site

Privately owned and operated until 2006, the Mountain Companies later joined CRH. By being a part ... Operate and inspect machines/heavy equipment including loaders, large haulage trucks, track hoe ...

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

$85 - $120/hr

Utilize extensive skill, knowledge and experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment (backhoe, track hoe, side boom, and dozer) and welding operations. * Other responsibilities include ...

New

All JobsTrack Hoe Operator JobsTrack Hoe Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Track Hoe Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$25.6K

$42.4K

$49.1K

How much do track hoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for track hoe operator in Kentucky is $42,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $45,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a track hoe operator?

A Track Hoe Operator is a skilled heavy equipment operator who specializes in running a track hoe, also known as an excavator. These professionals use the machine to dig trenches, foundations, and holes, as well as to lift and move materials on construction and excavation sites. Track hoe operators are responsible for maintaining the equipment, following safety protocols, and interpreting blueprints or site plans to complete their work efficiently. They play a crucial role in building, demolition, and land development projects.

What are the duties of a track hoe operator?

A track hoe operator’s duties are to excavate, move, and grade earth using a hydraulic excavator or another piece of heavy machinery that runs on tracks. You typically work on construction sites, where you follow specific instructions from supervisors or follow blueprints to dig trenches for plumbing or dig foundations. In addition to your excavation responsibilities, your perform routine maintenance and repair, safety inspections, and log equipment use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a track hoe operator?

To thrive as a Track Hoe Operator, you need experience in heavy equipment operation, knowledge of excavation techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, GPS grading systems, and OSHA safety certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and strong communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and productive operation of equipment in construction and excavation projects.

What are some common challenges a track hoe operator might face on a typical job site?

Track Hoe Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, dealing with changing weather conditions, and coordinating closely with ground crews and other heavy equipment operators. Safety is a top priority, so operators must remain vigilant to prevent accidents and equipment damage. Additionally, they may need to adapt quickly to changes in project plans or unexpected obstacles, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential for success.

What is the difference between Track Hoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectTrack Hoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction, mining, demolition sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in construction and infrastructure projectsConstruction, mining, forestry, demolition

The main difference between a Track Hoe Operator and an Excavator Operator lies in the equipment they operate. A Track Hoe Operator specifically operates track-mounted excavators, often used in construction and infrastructure projects. An Excavator Operator may operate various types of excavators, including wheeled or different configurations. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the terminology and equipment focus distinguish them in the industry.

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Track Hoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Track Hoe Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nucor

Louisville, KY • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Nucor rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Details
Division: River Metals Recycling LLC
Location: Louisville, KY, United States
Compensation: Up to $80,000
Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.
Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.
Basic Job Functions:
Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.
  1. Properly follow company and OSHA safety procedures.
  2. Operate mobile heavy equipment of various sizes and types (mobile shear, excavator, front end loader, backhoe, track hoe, grapple or magnet material handlers).
  3. Communicates over radio with team members for traffic coordination, production, and safety procedures.
  4. Perform daily inspections on equipment and report any defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
  5. Clean equipment as needed.
  6. Greet customers coming into the yard and direct them to the proper location to unload materials from their vehicles.
  7. Inspect material brought in by our customers for existence of non-acceptable items and ensure that those prohibited materials are not left on Company property. Examples are propane tanks, batteries, etc.
  8. Interact with customers and team members to facilitate a safe and productive yard environment.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles.
  • Ability to operate equipment under varying working conditions.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English.
  • Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
  • Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others and coordinate work activities as a team.

Preferred Qualifications:
Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace

What Nucor employees say

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About Nucor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nucor Corporation is an American producer of steel and related products based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the largest steel producer in the United States, the largest "mini-mill" steelmaker (i.e. it uses electric arc furnaces to melt scrap steel as opposed to blast furnaces to melt iron), and the biggest recycler of scrap in North America. As of 2021, Nucor was the 15th-largest steel producer in the world.

Industry

Primary metal manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1905

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