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.
Find Equipment Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 68+ Equipment Operator jobs
Pay Range: $21.00 - $25.00 depending on experience
Shift: 1st Shift, Starts 5:00am - 2:00pm
What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.
We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow®: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.
We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.
We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on-the-job training, and established career progression.
We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.
We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.
We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!
Ready to roll with us? Click Apply to join the WM team today.
I. Job Summary
Operates one or two pieces of equipment including but not limited to baler, front-end loader, bobcat, candensifier or forklift to transport or bind paper or other loose materials to facilitate handling.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Sorts and grades material.
- Fills and operates candensifier.
- Records materials or items received or distributed and mark materials with identifying information.
- Maintains inventory records.
- Compiles worksheets or tickets from customer specifications.
- Insures material is being fed properly onto conveyor.
- Coordinates flow of material.
- Starts baler up on time, read monitor, which displays functions of baler, and reacts quickly to machine prompts and alarms, and ensures proper operation.
- Monitors and documents downtime.
- Insures safety around working areas.
- Checks quality of material before it is baled or shipped.
- Coordinates with MRF Manager to see what material needs to be baled or shipped.
- Performs routine maintenance and daily inspection on equipment such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning.
- Keeps supply of wire on hand for baler.
- Operates loader, forklift, bobcat, or other equipment to move material to designated area.
- Keeps surrounding work areas clean.
- Unloads, tags, and stacks material in proper rows by raising and lowering lifting device.
- Loads or unloads materials into or out of trailers and railcars.
- Moves material from baler.
- Dumps containers, bins, and gaylords of materials.
- Reads loading, unloading sheets and bills of ladings.
- Completes necessary load and unload tally sheets.
- Inspects and grades wastepaper that is received at plant.
- Ensures vehicle condition reports are filled out properly as required by corporate guidelines.
- Complies with all safety policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
- 6 months of previous work experience.
- Forklift Certified
B. Preferred Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1 year of previous work experience.
IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing—including pre‑employment screening, post‑incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing—in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $21.00 - $25.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.
Pay Range: $21.00 - $25.00 depending on experience
Shift: 1st Shift, Starts 5:00am - 2:00pm
What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.
We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow®: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.
We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.
We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on-the-job training, and established career progression.
We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.
We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.
We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!
Ready to roll with us? Click Apply to join the WM team today.
I. Job Summary
Operates one or two pieces of equipment including but not limited to baler, front-end loader, bobcat, candensifier or forklift to transport or bind paper or other loose materials to facilitate handling.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Sorts and grades material.
- Fills and operates candensifier.
- Records materials or items received or distributed and mark materials with identifying information.
- Maintains inventory records.
- Compiles worksheets or tickets from customer specifications.
- Insures material is being fed properly onto conveyor.
- Coordinates flow of material.
- Starts baler up on time, read monitor, which displays functions of baler, and reacts quickly to machine prompts and alarms, and ensures proper operation.
- Monitors and documents downtime.
- Insures safety around working areas.
- Checks quality of material before it is baled or shipped.
- Coordinates with MRF Manager to see what material needs to be baled or shipped.
- Performs routine maintenance and daily inspection on equipment such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning.
- Keeps supply of wire on hand for baler.
- Operates loader, forklift, bobcat, or other equipment to move material to designated area.
- Keeps surrounding work areas clean.
- Unloads, tags, and stacks material in proper rows by raising and lowering lifting device.
- Loads or unloads materials into or out of trailers and railcars.
- Moves material from baler.
- Dumps containers, bins, and gaylords of materials.
- Reads loading, unloading sheets and bills of ladings.
- Completes necessary load and unload tally sheets.
- Inspects and grades wastepaper that is received at plant.
- Ensures vehicle condition reports are filled out properly as required by corporate guidelines.
- Complies with all safety policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
- 6 months of previous work experience.
- Forklift Certified
B. Preferred Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1 year of previous work experience.
IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing—including pre‑employment screening, post‑incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing—in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $21.00 - $25.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.
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
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 September 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 Hugo 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 September 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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