Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio
Equipment Operator jobs in Ohio are in steady demand, with consistent openings tied to the state's active construction, mining, and infrastructure sectors at levels from entry-level to experienced lead operator. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are the busiest hiring markets, anchored by large contractors and industrial players like ODOT, Kokosing Construction, and Shelly & Sands that maintain ongoing equipment operator rosters. Grading, excavation, and utility corridor work represent the most in-demand specialties across Ohio projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Definition
This is specialized semi-skilled work changing and assembling brooms and skilled work in the operation of moderately complex automotive equipment in street cleaning and snow removal and ice control.
An employee in this class is responsible for changing and assembling various brooms on street sweepers and for operating heavy equipment requiring specialized skill in manipulating controls and attachments and/or in maneuvering for safe and efficient special purpose operation. When not changing brooms or operating equipment, employee participates in a work crew or leads work crew activity.
Works under close supervision on special or unusual assignments and under general supervision on routine or repetitive assignments with opportunity for the use of independent judgment in completing assignments.
This position will require working different shifts throughout the year and will require working overtime when needed, sometimes often.Characteristic Work
Minimum Qualifications
A minimum of one year of paid semi-skilled laboring experience. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver's license. Possession of or must obtain within 120 days of employment a valid State of Ohio class B commercial driver's license without an air brake restriction.
Knowledge of the tools, materials, equipment, and procedures used to change and assemble street sweeper brooms. Knowledge of and skill in the effective and safe operation of automotive and heavy equipment commonly assigned to this level. Knowledge of the component parts of such equipment, the performance limits, and the preventive maintenance necessary to keep equipment in satisfactory operation. Knowledge of traffic laws of the State of Ohio and the City of Akron.
Ability to use and care for broom tools and equipment. Ability to perform a variety of laboring tasks. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, rules, and guidelines. Ability to work under adverse weather conditions outdoors. Ability to effectively lead work crew activity. Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and construction equipment. List of essential job functions available upon request.
Competitive Examination Process
This is a classified position.
The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for experience. TEST WEIGHTS: Competitive Examination 90%, Experience 10%.
Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.
NOTE: The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 90% for qualifying and 10% for experience.
Since this examination is posted on a combined basis, two separate eligibility lists will be generated with promotional candidates considered before open candidates.
RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades. VETERANS: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to their passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a DD-214 with application.
DRIVER’S LICENSE: An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible. Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals. In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.
See All 51 Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio
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Find Equipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Equipment Operator Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Waste Management & Environmental Services
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment operator jobs across Ohio.
- Valid CDL or heavy equipment certification recognized by the Ohio BMV
- Proven experience operating excavators, bulldozers, or graders on commercial job sites
- Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints and grade stakes
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 construction safety certification
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical fitness evaluation
- Willingness to work outdoors in variable Ohio weather conditions year-round
Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a equipment operator in Ohio?
The most direct path in Ohio is completing an apprenticeship through the Operating Engineers Local 18, which is the primary union training program for heavy equipment operators in the state. Apprentices log classroom hours alongside paid on-the-job training. Outside of union programs, community colleges with construction technology programs offer certificates that Ohio contractors recognize. A valid Ohio CDL strengthens candidacy for roles that involve equipment transport.
Which companies hire equipment operators in Ohio?
Ohio equipment operator roles are posted by Arhaus, Abbott, and Ferguson and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Ohio's concentration of highway expansion, utility, and commercial development projects keeps a wide range of contractors and public agencies posting regularly throughout the year.
Which Ohio cities have the most equipment operator jobs?
Columbus, West Chester, and Boston Heights account for the most equipment operator openings in Ohio. Columbus drives the highest volume due to its sustained commercial and highway construction activity, while Cleveland and Cincinnati generate steady demand from industrial redevelopment projects and the large regional contractors headquartered in and around those metros.
Are there remote equipment operator jobs in Ohio?
Yes, but they're rare. Equipment operator work is fundamentally hands-on and site-based, so fully remote positions don't apply to most of the role. About 0% of equipment operator openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those are almost exclusively dispatch coordination or project supervision positions rather than operating roles.
How can I get hired as a equipment operator in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying to the Operating Engineers Local 18 apprenticeship program, which accepts applicants with no prior experience and provides paid training from day one. Ohio contractors like Kokosing and Shelly and Sands also bring on laborers for site support roles where operators-in-training can log seat time. Earning an OSHA 10 card before applying gives candidates a concrete edge in the screening process.
Where can I find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings from contractors, public agencies, and industrial employers. Find roles that fit your equipment experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 51 Equipment Operator Jobs in Ohio
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