Equipment Operator Jobs in Texas
Equipment Operator jobs in Texas are among the most active in the country, driven by large-scale construction, oil and gas extraction, and infrastructure development across the state, with openings at every level from entry-level laborer to senior heavy equipment operator. The largest concentrations of hiring are in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio, where established employers like Zachry Group, Texas Industries, and Fluor Corporation maintain ongoing operations. The most in-demand specialties are crane operation, excavation, and earthmoving for pipeline and roadway projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a hard-working, reliable and safety minded individual to join our team as an Equipment Operator. As an Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a heavy equipment to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move scrap metal and other materials around the recycling yard.
This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
Working hours are from 8 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 – 12 Pm on Saturdays.
SA Recycling offers:
- Competitive Pay
- Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 401k with a Company Match
- Weekly Pay
- Referral Incentives
- Company provided uniforms and PPE
- Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses
- Advancement Opportunities
Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator
- Operate a various heavy equipment to load and unload scrap metal and debris in preparation for processing or shipping.
- Determine load weights and verify against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
- Identify and grade inbound scrap and reject unacceptable items.
- Drain and remove fluids and gasses from autos, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
- Direct truck drivers into proper position for loading and unloading of scrap metal or other materials.
- Perform daily equipment inspections and report any concerns, defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.
Qualifications of Equipment Operator
- Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
- Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.
PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified).
All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a hard-working, reliable and safety minded individual to join our team as an Equipment Operator. As an Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a heavy equipment to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move scrap metal and other materials around the recycling yard.
This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
Working hours are from 8 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 – 12 Pm on Saturdays.
SA Recycling offers:
- Competitive Pay
- Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 401k with a Company Match
- Weekly Pay
- Referral Incentives
- Company provided uniforms and PPE
- Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses
- Advancement Opportunities
Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator
- Operate a various heavy equipment to load and unload scrap metal and debris in preparation for processing or shipping.
- Determine load weights and verify against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
- Identify and grade inbound scrap and reject unacceptable items.
- Drain and remove fluids and gasses from autos, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
- Direct truck drivers into proper position for loading and unloading of scrap metal or other materials.
- Perform daily equipment inspections and report any concerns, defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.
Qualifications of Equipment Operator
- Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
- Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.
PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified).
All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 401+ Equipment Operator Jobs in Texas
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Find Equipment Operator JobsEquipment Operator Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Equipment Operator Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- TIC - The Industrial Company24
- Fluor7
- Republic Services7
- Audubon Companies6
- Kiewit Corporation6
Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming34
- Construction & Real Estate16
- Consulting & Professional Services10
- Waste Management & Environmental Services7
- Chemicals & Materials6
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment operator jobs across Texas.
- Valid CDL or OSHA-recognized equipment certification preferred by most Texas employers
- Proven experience operating heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or cranes
- Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, site plans, and grade stakes
- Familiarity with Texas Department of Transportation safety standards and site protocols
- Physical ability to work outdoors in Texas heat and varying terrain conditions
- Completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training through a Texas community college or trade program
Equipment Operator Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an equipment operator in Texas?
The most direct path is completing an apprenticeship through the Operating Engineers Local unions active in Texas, such as IUOE Local 450 based in Houston, which offers multi-year programs combining classroom and field training. Texas does not require a single statewide license for most equipment operators, but a Commercial Driver's License is required for operating certain road-registered machinery. Employers also value completion of OSHA safety courses and equipment-specific certifications recognized by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.
Which companies hire equipment operators in Texas?
Employers hiring equipment operators in Texas right now include TIC - The Industrial Company, Fluor, and Republic Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Texas's ongoing highway expansion, pipeline corridor work, and commercial construction boom keep demand steady across contractors of all sizes.
Which Texas cities have the most equipment operator jobs?
Abilene, Dalhart, and Houston have the most equipment operator openings in Texas, reflecting Houston's dominance in petrochemical and port infrastructure, Dallas-Fort Worth's commercial and highway construction activity, and San Antonio's growth in public works and military installation projects that generate consistent equipment operator demand.
Are there remote equipment operator jobs in Texas?
Yes, but they're rare. Equipment operation is inherently hands-on, requiring physical presence at job sites to operate machinery safely. About 0% of equipment operator openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those postings typically cover dispatch coordination, equipment fleet management, or training roles rather than direct machine operation.
How can I get hired as an equipment operator in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laborer or ground crew position with a Texas construction or civil contractor, where you work alongside equipment operators and get informal seat time before stepping into a formal operator role. Large Texas employers like Zachry Group and Texas Department of Transportation contractors regularly bring on entry-level crew members for highway and utility projects. Enrolling in a pre-apprenticeship program through Texas State Technical College or a local IUOE affiliate strengthens your application considerably, and an OSHA 10-hour construction safety card signals job-site readiness to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to equipment operator jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current Texas openings from active employers. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 401+ Equipment Operator Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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