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Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tennessee

POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient ... Ability to work varied hours including weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or overnight shifts ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Dickson, TN ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating various heavy machinery to support construction and site development activities. This role requires a strong focus on safety compliance and ...

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Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$21

$31

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend heavy equipment operator in Tennessee is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend heavy equipment operator?

Weekend Heavy Equipment Operators are professionals who operate machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, or cranes during weekend shifts. They are responsible for safely moving earth, materials, or other heavy items at construction sites, mines, or similar locations when regular weekday crews are unavailable or projects require extended hours. These operators must have specialized training, valid certifications, and a strong understanding of safety regulations. Working weekends often provides opportunities for overtime pay and flexible scheduling but may require physical stamina and readiness for challenging work environments.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator, you need experience operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant equipment operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS-guided systems, maintenance tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and reliability are crucial soft skills for ensuring site safety and teamwork during weekend shifts. These skills ensure efficient, safe operations and help meet project deadlines even during off-peak work periods.

What are some common challenges faced by weekend heavy equipment operators, and how can they be managed?

Weekend Heavy Equipment Operators often face challenges related to variable workloads and adjusting to different projects each weekend. Since work may be scheduled around peak construction times or urgent tasks, flexibility and adaptability are important. Operators must quickly familiarize themselves with the site and equipment conditions, which may differ from their weekday counterparts. Effective communication with supervisors and other crew members helps ensure safety and efficiency, even when joining an ongoing project for a short period. Proper rest and preparation are also essential to maintain alertness and performance during weekend shifts.

What is the difference between Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator vs Weekend Crane Operator?

AspectWeekend Heavy Equipment OperatorWeekend Crane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), equipment-specific certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, industrial settings, outdoor lifting
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsConstruction, shipping yards, industrial projects
Common Search IntentWeekend heavy equipment work, machinery operationWeekend crane operation, lifting equipment

Weekend Heavy Equipment Operators and Weekend Crane Operators both work in construction and industrial environments, often on weekends. While they share certifications related to heavy machinery, crane operators require specialized crane certifications. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: heavy equipment operators handle bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, whereas crane operators focus on lifting and moving heavy loads with cranes. Both roles are essential for construction projects and often sought after for weekend work opportunities.

Do weekend heavy equipment operators work at night?

Weekend heavy equipment operators typically work during daytime hours, but some projects or job sites may require night shifts to meet deadlines or avoid daytime traffic. The specific schedule depends on the employer, project needs, and safety considerations, and operators may need to be certified for night work or operate specialized lighting equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Weekend Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,683 per year, or $21 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Capital Waste Services LLC

Dayton, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:

CWS is a leading provider of waste management services throughout South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida areas. We are committed to providing superior customer service with our emphasis on integrity, reliability and cleanliness. We invest in our community, our customers and our employees by providing access to state-of-the-art systems and processes, and the best leadership in the business!


POSITION SUMMARY: The Heavy Equipment Operator 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.


Heavy Equipment Operator PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rearview 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.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Heavy Equipment Operator QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Experience:

  • Dozer: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Excavator: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Solid waste management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Requirements:

Heavy Equipment Operator MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Two years of prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.