Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota
Equipment Operator jobs in Minnesota concentrate in construction, mining, and infrastructure maintenance, with strong demand across highway expansion projects, aggregate operations, and municipal public works. The Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester anchor most of the hiring, with established employers like Knife River Corporation, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and Aggregate Industries maintaining consistent openings across the state. Dozer, grader, and excavator operation are among the most sought-after specialties, alongside heavy scraper and paver work tied to Minnesota's active road construction season. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 68+ Equipment Operator jobs
Kind of Work
Now hiring for vacancies in Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake.
This position conducts routine semi-skilled work and operation of motorized equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roadways.
- A private use allowance of $.25 per hour for actual hours worked.
- Safety shoe allowance of $250 per year, payable in December.
- May receive up to $250 reimbursement towards the purchase of acceptable reimbursable outdoor outerwear annually.
Please Note: As part of the application process, applicants will select the location they would be willing to work. This information will be used to filter the eligible list and ensure applicants are being referred for interview according to their location(s) preference. Current vacancies exist for Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake. Please be aware this list may be used to fill additional vacancies that arise.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class performs a variety of general labor tasks and serves in an apprenticeship status as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of County roadways. Duties include the minor repair and maintenance, and safe and efficient operation of equipment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 32 pounds; push/pull - legs up to 90 pounds; grip strength up to 32 pounds; balance, hand/finger coordination; bend & reach below fingertips; reach (forward/side); reach (backward); sit (with positional changes); stand/walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant); driving. FREQUENT: Grip strength up to 40 pounds; rotate neck and rotate trunk. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 75 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 65 pounds; grip strength up to 75 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; kneeling/crawling/squatting; reach (overhead); smell. RARE: Push/pull - arms up to 150 pounds; grip strength up to 160 pounds (both hands).
Lighting: Natural, may work outdoors in darkness.
Flooring: Concrete, blacktop, gravel, uneven terrain (hills, ditches, etc.) Walking surface can be affected by weather.
Temperature: Exposure to all weather conditions. May work entire shift outdoors in all conditions. Temperature can be controlled in vehicle cabs.
Noise Level: Noise levels at above levels.
Ventilation: Exposure to exhaust, tar fumes, paint fumes, etc.
Environment: Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision-making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; moderate people/public contact.
NOTE: Frequent use of awkward body mechanics, jerking motions, high degree of vibration while operating equipment.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age by the first scheduled day of work OR seventeen (17) years of age AND a high school graduate.
- Possession of a Class 'B' Commercial Driver's License without an airbrake restriction and possession of a Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License with a tank vehicle endorsement and without any of the following restrictions by completion of probation: air brake, full air brake, manual transmission or tractor trailer. Failure to obtain the appropriate Class 'A' License by completion of probation will result in termination from the position.
- One (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles; OR graduation from a program focused on heavy equipment operation.
Experience with tandem axle dump trucks, front end loaders 2 cubic yards or larger, tracked dozers, wheeled and tracked type excavators and motor graders.
Please attach a copy of the front and back of your driver's license in the attachment section of the online application or email to recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov, fax to 218-725-5054, or mail to the following address: St. Louis County Human Resources, 100 N 5th Ave W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802. You will not be considered for an interview unless we receive a copy of your driver's license as we need to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
- Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
- Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
- November 11, 2026 - Application screening will begin
- Week of November 23, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of December 7, 2026 - Interview to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Kind of Work
Now hiring for vacancies in Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake.
This position conducts routine semi-skilled work and operation of motorized equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roadways.
- A private use allowance of $.25 per hour for actual hours worked.
- Safety shoe allowance of $250 per year, payable in December.
- May receive up to $250 reimbursement towards the purchase of acceptable reimbursable outdoor outerwear annually.
Please Note: As part of the application process, applicants will select the location they would be willing to work. This information will be used to filter the eligible list and ensure applicants are being referred for interview according to their location(s) preference. Current vacancies exist for Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake. Please be aware this list may be used to fill additional vacancies that arise.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class performs a variety of general labor tasks and serves in an apprenticeship status as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of County roadways. Duties include the minor repair and maintenance, and safe and efficient operation of equipment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 32 pounds; push/pull - legs up to 90 pounds; grip strength up to 32 pounds; balance, hand/finger coordination; bend & reach below fingertips; reach (forward/side); reach (backward); sit (with positional changes); stand/walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant); driving. FREQUENT: Grip strength up to 40 pounds; rotate neck and rotate trunk. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 75 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 65 pounds; grip strength up to 75 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; kneeling/crawling/squatting; reach (overhead); smell. RARE: Push/pull - arms up to 150 pounds; grip strength up to 160 pounds (both hands).
Lighting: Natural, may work outdoors in darkness.
Flooring: Concrete, blacktop, gravel, uneven terrain (hills, ditches, etc.) Walking surface can be affected by weather.
Temperature: Exposure to all weather conditions. May work entire shift outdoors in all conditions. Temperature can be controlled in vehicle cabs.
Noise Level: Noise levels at above levels.
Ventilation: Exposure to exhaust, tar fumes, paint fumes, etc.
Environment: Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision-making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; moderate people/public contact.
NOTE: Frequent use of awkward body mechanics, jerking motions, high degree of vibration while operating equipment.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age by the first scheduled day of work OR seventeen (17) years of age AND a high school graduate.
- Possession of a Class 'B' Commercial Driver's License without an airbrake restriction and possession of a Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License with a tank vehicle endorsement and without any of the following restrictions by completion of probation: air brake, full air brake, manual transmission or tractor trailer. Failure to obtain the appropriate Class 'A' License by completion of probation will result in termination from the position.
- One (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles; OR graduation from a program focused on heavy equipment operation.
Experience with tandem axle dump trucks, front end loaders 2 cubic yards or larger, tracked dozers, wheeled and tracked type excavators and motor graders.
Please attach a copy of the front and back of your driver's license in the attachment section of the online application or email to recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov, fax to 218-725-5054, or mail to the following address: St. Louis County Human Resources, 100 N 5th Ave W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802. You will not be considered for an interview unless we receive a copy of your driver's license as we need to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
- Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
- Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
- November 11, 2026 - Application screening will begin
- Week of November 23, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of December 7, 2026 - Interview to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
See All 68 Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Equipment Operator Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Taylor Corporation11
- Village Green Landscapes5
- Prescription Landscape3
- Bay West2
- Waste Connections2
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment operator jobs across Minnesota.
- Valid CDL or equipment-specific license recognized by the state of Minnesota
- Demonstrated experience operating heavy construction or earthmoving equipment
- Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and construction drawings
- Completion of an apprenticeship program or vocational training in heavy equipment operation
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and jobsite protocols
- Physical ability to work outdoors in Minnesota seasonal weather conditions year-round
Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a equipment operator in Minnesota?
Most equipment operators in Minnesota enter the trade through the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship program, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction over several years. A commercial driver's license is required for most roles involving haul trucks or road-legal equipment. Completing a vocational program at a Minnesota State college in construction equipment or heavy machinery gives candidates a competitive edge before entering an apprenticeship or applying directly to contractors.
Which companies hire equipment operators in Minnesota?
Minnesota equipment operator roles are posted by Taylor Corporation, Village Green Landscapes, and Prescription Landscape and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's active road construction and aggregate industries mean large civil contractors and regional mining operations are among the most consistent sources of openings statewide.
Which Minnesota cities have the most equipment operator jobs?
Saint Paul, North Mankato, and Rosemount lead Minnesota for equipment operator openings. The Twin Cities metro drives volume through ongoing highway and transit infrastructure projects, while Duluth's port and mining-adjacent industries and Rochester's steady commercial construction activity generate consistent demand in those markets.
Are there remote equipment operator jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of equipment operator openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, site-specific nature of the work. The narrow slice of remote-eligible tasks tends to involve equipment dispatching, fleet coordination, or operator training and simulation roles rather than direct machine operation.
How can I get hired as a equipment operator in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to the IUOE Local 49 apprenticeship program, which accepts candidates without prior experience and pays wages from day one while training progresses. Large Minnesota contractors like Ames Construction and civil infrastructure firms regularly hire laborer or flagger positions as a stepping stone, allowing workers to observe operators and demonstrate reliability before being moved into equipment seats. Earning a CDL and a forklift or skid-steer certification before applying puts entry-level candidates ahead of most competition.
Where can I find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 68 Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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