Equipment Operator Jobs
Equipment Operator jobs are open across construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics, for operators of heavy machinery, material handling equipment, and specialized ground support, from entry-level to lead and supervisor. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Subsidiary
Overview
Providing a safe working environment is a critical element of our core values.
Our PEOPLE
We respect and value one another and work together as one team.
We act with INTEGRITY.
We interact with our customers, our employees, and our stockholders with honesty and integrity.
We demonstrate SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
We strive to make our communities better places to live, work, and grow.
We are seeking a motivated and safety-focused Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for safely operating material handling equipmentto move, load, and unload scrap materials throughout the facility. You will support the preparation and processing of scrap metal for shipment, perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance while ensuring a safe and organized work environment. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, knowledgeable in scrap metals, able to work in all weather conditions, and committed to following safety standards without exception while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Responsibilities
- Operate multiple types of material handling equipment i.e. Hi-Lo, Crane, and Forklift to dump scrap into roll-offs, trailers or compactors depending on the grade
- Load trailers to specified weights and swap out full trailers from bays, drive trailers across scales and fuel trucks at local gas station.
- Inspect Equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily.
- Complete shipping documents
- Complete daily housekeeping of work areas and sorting duties as directed.
- Ability to cross train on various equipment types.
- All other duties as requested by Lead and Supervisor.
Qualifications
- Must have or be willing to obtain Class A - CDL
- Must obtain OmniSource crane, baler, and forklift license
- Ability to work any of the 3 shifts in a 24/7 scheduled work environment
- Must have good verbal communication skills
- Must have or obtain a smart phone in order to receive company email
- Ability to perform basic Preventative Maintenance tasks
- Equipment troubleshooting skills
- Ability to perform hands on tasks
- Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, and frequently climb numerous flights of stairs
- Ability to perform housekeeping responsibilities such as shoveling and sweeping
- Scrap material identification for specific locations
- Working knowledge of Word and Excel
- High school diploma or GED
- Knowledge of scrap is a plus.
- Competitive Base Pay + Weekly Incentive Bonus Opportunities
- Full Medical, Dental, and Prescription Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Annual Company Contribution
- Annual Bonus (Profit-Sharing)
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match up to 50%
- Annual Stock Award ($2,200 every November)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 15% Company Match
- Paid Vacation
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Company-paid Uniforms
- …and many more!
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can contribute to the success of a dynamic team and grow your skills, we encourage you to apply today!
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
Equipment Operator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Equipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- WM35

- Vulcan Materials Company24

- Caltrans - CA Dept. of Transportation17

- Republic Services14

- Asplundh Tree Expert14

Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials21
- Construction & Real Estate13
- Mining & Natural Resources13
- Manufacturing12
- Retail7
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment operator jobs.
- Valid CDL Class A or Class B license depending on equipment type
- 1-3 years of verified operating experience on relevant heavy equipment
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 general industry or construction safety card
- Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, or load charts
- Experience performing pre-operation inspections and basic preventive maintenance
- High school diploma or GED with a clean driving record
Tips for Your Equipment Operator Job Search
List every machine you have operated
Your resume should name specific equipment by make and model where you can, such as Caterpillar 320 excavators or Bobcat S650 skid steers. Hiring managers scan for exact machine names, not just broad categories like 'heavy equipment.'
Include your active certifications and endorsements
List your CDL class, OSHA 10 or 30 card, crane operator certification, or any equipment-specific licenses with their expiration dates. Outdated or missing credentials are the most common reason equipment operator applications get screened out early.
Target openings that match your equipment hours
Many postings specify minimum hours on a particular machine type. Filter for roles where your logged hours meet or exceed the requirement, rather than applying broadly and getting cut on a single line in the job description.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists equipment operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your equipment type and experience level and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a practical skills assessment
Many employers require an on-site or simulated equipment check before a formal offer. Review the job posting for the specific machines listed, and be ready to demonstrate safe pre-operation inspections, startup procedures, and basic maneuvering on those exact units.
Negotiate shift differential and overtime terms
Equipment operator roles frequently involve night shifts, weekend rotations, or seasonal overtime. Ask about differential pay structures and overtime eligibility during the offer stage, not after you have already accepted, so you can compare total compensation accurately.
Equipment Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most equipment operators?
The companies hiring the most equipment operators right now include WM, Vulcan Materials Company, and Caltrans - CA Dept. of Transportation, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Construction and infrastructure contractors typically drive the highest volume of openings throughout the year.
How many equipment operator jobs are remote?
About 3% of equipment operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most roles require physical presence on a job site or in a facility. The sub-areas most likely to include remote or hybrid components are dispatch coordination, equipment scheduling, and fleet management roles that sit adjacent to the operator function.
How do you become an equipment operator?
Start by completing a formal training program through a community college, trade school, or union apprenticeship such as one affiliated with the International Union of Operating Engineers. Log supervised hours on the equipment types most in demand in your area, then obtain relevant certifications like a CDL or OSHA safety card. Entry-level operators often begin on smaller machines before advancing to larger or more specialized equipment.
How do you get hired as an equipment operator with little or no experience?
Focus on entry-level laborer or ground crew roles with employers who promote from within, since many operators start on a crew before moving to the cab. Complete an OSHA 10 card and any free or low-cost equipment familiarization courses offered by trade schools or manufacturer training centers. Emphasizing a clean driving record, physical reliability, and a willingness to work varied shifts helps offset limited machine hours on your resume.
What does the equipment operator interview process look like?
Most interviews start with a phone screen focused on your equipment experience, certifications, and availability for required shifts. An in-person interview typically follows, where a foreman or site supervisor asks about specific machines you have run and how you handle safety incidents or mechanical issues. Many employers then require a practical evaluation where you demonstrate a pre-operation inspection and operate the relevant equipment on a controlled site before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to equipment operator jobs?
You can find and apply to equipment operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your equipment type, certification level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your experience.
See All 1,102+ Equipment Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Operator Jobs