Entry Level Equipment Operator Jobs
New grad equipment operator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a relevant certificate, vocational training, or hands-on internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Chemicals & Materials, Distribution & Wholesale, and Mining & Natural Resources, with employers like Vulcan Materials Company, Martin Marietta, and SA RECYCLING hiring at this level now.
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Position 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.
PRINCIPAL 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.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two years’ prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.
- One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
- 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.
Rewarding Compensation and Benefits
Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
- Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
- Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
- Short- and long-term disability.
- Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
- Employee discount programs.
- Retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.
EEO STATEMENT: Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services’ commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.
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Find JobsEntry Level Equipment Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Vulcan Materials Company11

- Martin Marietta8

- SA RECYCLING7

- Republic Services7

- Yellowstone Landscape5

Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials21
- Distribution & Wholesale11
- Mining & Natural Resources11
- Energy8
- Technology & Software8
Entry Level Equipment Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level equipment operator job?
Entry level equipment operator employers look for a valid operator license or certification for the relevant equipment, basic mechanical awareness, and a willingness to follow safety protocols on site. Completing a vocational program, apprenticeship, or even supervised internship hours gives you a real edge at this stage. Listing specific equipment types you have operated, even briefly, makes your application stand out over a generic resume.
Which companies hire entry level equipment operators?
Companies hiring entry level equipment operators right now include Vulcan Materials Company, Martin Marietta, and SA RECYCLING, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of construction contractors, logistics firms, municipal utilities, and industrial facilities that train new operators on their specific equipment fleets.
Are there remote entry level equipment operator jobs?
Yes, though most equipment operator roles are inherently on-site given the hands-on nature of the work. About 0% of entry level equipment operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in dispatch coordination, equipment monitoring, or site operations support roles rather than direct machine operation.
Are these new grad equipment operator jobs?
Yes, many of the listings here are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no professional experience. A new grad friendly posting typically states it requires zero to two years of experience, accepts completed internships or vocational training in place of full-time history, or notes that on-the-job training is provided. Look for those signals in the job description.
Which industries hire the most entry level equipment operators?
Entry Level equipment operator roles concentrate in Chemicals & Materials, Distribution & Wholesale, and Mining & Natural Resources, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they run large physical operations, regularly onboard operators to replace attrition, and often have structured training programs suited to candidates entering the field for the first time.