Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan
Equipment Operator jobs in Michigan are concentrated in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, where large-scale construction, automotive infrastructure, and municipal public works keep demand steady at every experience level from entry-grade to lead operator. Employers with a lasting Michigan presence such as Consumers Energy, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and Walbridge regularly hire equipment operators for grading, excavation, and heavy lift work. The most in-demand specialties across the state are excavator operation, road grading, and crane and lifting equipment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Equipment Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 75+ Equipment Operator jobs
$52,790.40 - $66,934.40 Annually
Detroit, Michigan, MI
Certified-Regular Civil Service
202613722038DDOTMDLM
Dept of Transportation
09/25/2026
1740-Amalgamated Transit Union Division #26 (DDOT)
Description
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with the public, to serve as Transportation Equipment Operators. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a city bus in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. Work involves safety inspection of bus prior to use, transporting citizens to and from designated bus stops, collection of fares, and daily record keeping. DDOT will assist successful candidates in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License including training and testing.
Video: Day In the Life of a Transportation Equipment Operator
Examples of Duties
- Operates motor coaches.
- Opens doors for passengers boarding and exiting vehicles.
- Operates wheelchair lifts.
- Cycles wheelchair lift upon pulling out and pulling into the garage.
- Monitors passengers depositing fares and ensures correct amounts are deposited in fare box.
- Issues, receives, and validates transfers.
- Prepares and issues refund slips.
- Announces streets and stop locations.
- Provides information and directions to passengers in a courteous manner.
- Adjusts route and destination signs and route numbers.
- Maintains cleanliness of vehicle.
- Removes snow, ice or slush from steps and platforms.
- Maintains proper lighting, heating, and ventilation in vehicle.
- Reviews bulletin boards at terminal daily for route changes, detours, policy changes and other announcements.
- Prepares and completes trip sheets, accident reports and other forms and submits to appropriate personnel.
- Instructs students on the operation of transportation equipment.
- Ensures vehicle is serviced when driving into service areas.
- Conducts pre- and post-trip coach inspections.
- Transfers coaches to alternative terminals.
- Maintains established route schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
****Candidates must have a CDL permit before starting and those that already have a CDL must obtain the 'P' endorsement before starting.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
Interview P/F
Evaluation of Training, Experience, & Personal Qualifications: 100%
Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P 100%
Domicile Credit: 15 Points
Veteran Points: 0-15 Points
Additional points may be awarded for:
Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
Michigan CDL Requirements
- Must reside in the State of Michigan
- Must be 21 years old to obtain a license to drive across state lines
- If between the ages of 18-21 you can obtain a Michigan CDL with a K restriction allowing you to drive in the state of Michigan only
- Provide proof of legal presence in the United States
- To transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that is marked or placecarded for them, you must be: 21 or older, have proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment (TSA Approved).
- Must obtain the necessary certifications on the CDL BFS-103 Certification Form
- Must be licensed in only one state
- Must not have any current suspensions, revocations, denials or cancellation of your license
- Must not have a conviction of any 6 point driving violation within 24 months upon application
- Must not have a suspension or revocation within 36 months upon application
- Must comply with federal or state medical/physical before obtaining a Michigan CDL
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
$52,790.40 - $66,934.40 Annually
Detroit, Michigan, MI
Certified-Regular Civil Service
202613722038DDOTMDLM
Dept of Transportation
09/25/2026
1740-Amalgamated Transit Union Division #26 (DDOT)
Description
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with the public, to serve as Transportation Equipment Operators. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a city bus in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. Work involves safety inspection of bus prior to use, transporting citizens to and from designated bus stops, collection of fares, and daily record keeping. DDOT will assist successful candidates in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License including training and testing.
Video: Day In the Life of a Transportation Equipment Operator
Examples of Duties
- Operates motor coaches.
- Opens doors for passengers boarding and exiting vehicles.
- Operates wheelchair lifts.
- Cycles wheelchair lift upon pulling out and pulling into the garage.
- Monitors passengers depositing fares and ensures correct amounts are deposited in fare box.
- Issues, receives, and validates transfers.
- Prepares and issues refund slips.
- Announces streets and stop locations.
- Provides information and directions to passengers in a courteous manner.
- Adjusts route and destination signs and route numbers.
- Maintains cleanliness of vehicle.
- Removes snow, ice or slush from steps and platforms.
- Maintains proper lighting, heating, and ventilation in vehicle.
- Reviews bulletin boards at terminal daily for route changes, detours, policy changes and other announcements.
- Prepares and completes trip sheets, accident reports and other forms and submits to appropriate personnel.
- Instructs students on the operation of transportation equipment.
- Ensures vehicle is serviced when driving into service areas.
- Conducts pre- and post-trip coach inspections.
- Transfers coaches to alternative terminals.
- Maintains established route schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
****Candidates must have a CDL permit before starting and those that already have a CDL must obtain the 'P' endorsement before starting.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
Interview P/F
Evaluation of Training, Experience, & Personal Qualifications: 100%
Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P 100%
Domicile Credit: 15 Points
Veteran Points: 0-15 Points
Additional points may be awarded for:
Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
Michigan CDL Requirements
- Must reside in the State of Michigan
- Must be 21 years old to obtain a license to drive across state lines
- If between the ages of 18-21 you can obtain a Michigan CDL with a K restriction allowing you to drive in the state of Michigan only
- Provide proof of legal presence in the United States
- To transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that is marked or placecarded for them, you must be: 21 or older, have proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment (TSA Approved).
- Must obtain the necessary certifications on the CDL BFS-103 Certification Form
- Must be licensed in only one state
- Must not have any current suspensions, revocations, denials or cancellation of your license
- Must not have a conviction of any 6 point driving violation within 24 months upon application
- Must not have a suspension or revocation within 36 months upon application
- Must comply with federal or state medical/physical before obtaining a Michigan CDL
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
See All 75 Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Equipment Operator Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture & Farming
- Construction & Real Estate
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment operator jobs across Michigan.
- Valid CDL Class A or B license required by most Michigan equipment operator employers
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 construction safety certification preferred or required
- Proven experience operating excavators, bulldozers, or graders on commercial or civil projects
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and site drawings
- Familiarity with Michigan Department of Transportation safety and traffic control standards
- Physical ability to work outdoors in Michigan seasonal conditions including winter road and site work
Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a equipment operator in Michigan?
Most equipment operators in Michigan enter through a union apprenticeship program, most commonly through the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324, which is based in Michigan and runs a multi-year paid apprenticeship covering heavy equipment, grading, and crane operation. Employers also hire candidates with a CDL and documented hours on equipment. A high school diploma or GED is the typical minimum education, and OSHA safety training strengthens any application considerably.
Which companies hire equipment operators in Michigan?
Companies currently hiring equipment operators in Michigan include Padnos, DJ's Landscape Management, and Voltava, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Michigan's active road reconstruction program and large utility infrastructure projects mean that both public agencies and private contractors post openings consistently throughout the year.
Which Michigan cities have the most equipment operator jobs?
Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Lansing have the most equipment operator openings in Michigan. Detroit leads because of its concentration of infrastructure redevelopment, automotive plant construction, and large civil contractors, while Grand Rapids and Lansing reflect strong municipal construction programs and significant commercial development activity that keep local demand for operators steady.
Are there remote equipment operator jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Equipment operation is an inherently on-site trade requiring a physical presence on the machine and the jobsite. About 0% of equipment operator openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be dispatching, estimating, or equipment fleet coordination roles rather than hands-on operation positions.
How can I get hired as a equipment operator in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to the IUOE Local 324 apprenticeship program in Michigan, which accepts applicants without prior experience and provides paid on-the-job training. Municipal contractors and utility companies like Consumers Energy often hire equipment operator trainees and ground crew workers who can move into the cab as hours accumulate. Holding a CDL and completing OSHA 10 training before applying gives candidates a clear edge over those who arrive with neither credential.
Where can I find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across construction, utilities, and public works. Search the roles available, find the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 75 Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Operator Jobs