Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
New grad heavy equipment operator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a completed apprenticeship, vocational certification, or hands-on internship can carry more weight than years on a resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Waste Management & Environmental Services, Chemicals & Materials, and Technology & Software, with employers like Republic Services, Vulcan Materials Company, and Martin Marietta hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 36+ Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
Company Overview
Cemex US is a leader in the building materials industry, known for our innovation, quality, and operational excellence. With over a century of expertise, we are committed to delivering products and services that meet the needs of our customers and communities across the globe. At Cemex, we believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team. Join us and build your career with a company that is Building a Better Future.
Job Summary
Safely and efficiently operate Grade 8 equipment for hauling, loading, excavation, material handling, stockpile management, and dust control. Work independently or under supervision according to management direction and operational needs. This is a safety-sensitive position.
Job Responsibilities
- Transport raw materials, overburden, aggregate, and waste along designated routes using assigned equipment; follow loading, hauling, and dumping procedures.
- Load trucks, feed processing equipment, manage stockpiles, and move materials using assigned equipment as directed.
- Operate water trucks to control dust on roads and work areas; adjust water application to maintain safe travel conditions and avoid oversaturation.
- Perform excavation, ditch cleaning, material handling, and work-area preparation using assigned equipment.
- Observe ground conditions, equipment clearances, traffic controls, and designated dumping limits; maintain communication with nearby personnel and equipment operators.
- Follow assigned material designations and stockpile practices; prevent contamination, improper loading, and mixing of materials.
- Perform pre-use and routine equipment inspections; document and report defects, hazards, and operating concerns.
- Fuel and lubricate equipment, make minor adjustments, and assist with minor repairs within training and authorization.
- Complete required operating, inspection, and production reports; maintain clean and orderly equipment and work areas.
- Follow CEMEX safety requirements and applicable MSHA and OSHA requirements; use required protective equipment.
- Perform related equipment operation, labor, cleanup, and conveyor or production support as assigned by management, within required training and qualifications.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Prior experience in aggregate production, mining operations, or heavy equipment operation is preferred.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in the duties and equipment assigned to the position.
- Complete required safety training and qualification evaluations before performing assigned duties independently.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, safety information, and equipment manuals. Be able to communicate clearly by radio and in person, and complete required written or electronic reports.
- Be able to use basic math and measurements for assigned duties, such as calculating material quantities, volumes, slopes, grades, and production rates.
- Be able to recognize hazards, evaluate work conditions, follow instructions, and use sound judgment to make safe decisions. Identify and report problems, and seek guidance when needed.
Working Conditions
- Work occurs in quarry and processing areas around moving equipment and mechanical parts.
- Conditions may include outdoor weather, heat and cold, dust, fumes, noise, vibration, and elevated work areas.
- Required protective equipment, including respiratory protection where applicable, must be used according to site requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Work includes extended periods of equipment operation, climbing into and out of equipment, walking on uneven ground, bending, reaching, and performing inspections and assigned manual tasks. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions safely.
Legal Notices
CEMEX is an EEO/AA (equal opportunity/affirmative action) institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by under federal, state or local law in the programs or activities which it operates.
CEMEX will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all local, state and federal laws.
CEMEX is an E-Verify participating employer.
Arizona Smoke-Free Act. CEMEX complies with the State of Arizona’s Smoke-Free Act (Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-601.01). Smoking and/or the use of tobacco or related products is prohibited in and on CEMEX property as well as any building and/or vehicle owned or leased by CEMEX.
CEMEX offers both competitive pay and benefits. Benefits applicable to this position may include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Holiday Pay, as well as a comprehensive wellness program to help keep employees and their families healthy and well. You can learn more about CEMEX Benefits by visiting the CEMEX USA Benefits and Well-Being page.
The expected base compensation for this position ranges from $31.72 to $35.06 per hour, depending on, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skill sets, experience, and education.
Company Overview
Cemex US is a leader in the building materials industry, known for our innovation, quality, and operational excellence. With over a century of expertise, we are committed to delivering products and services that meet the needs of our customers and communities across the globe. At Cemex, we believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team. Join us and build your career with a company that is Building a Better Future.
Job Summary
Safely and efficiently operate Grade 8 equipment for hauling, loading, excavation, material handling, stockpile management, and dust control. Work independently or under supervision according to management direction and operational needs. This is a safety-sensitive position.
Job Responsibilities
- Transport raw materials, overburden, aggregate, and waste along designated routes using assigned equipment; follow loading, hauling, and dumping procedures.
- Load trucks, feed processing equipment, manage stockpiles, and move materials using assigned equipment as directed.
- Operate water trucks to control dust on roads and work areas; adjust water application to maintain safe travel conditions and avoid oversaturation.
- Perform excavation, ditch cleaning, material handling, and work-area preparation using assigned equipment.
- Observe ground conditions, equipment clearances, traffic controls, and designated dumping limits; maintain communication with nearby personnel and equipment operators.
- Follow assigned material designations and stockpile practices; prevent contamination, improper loading, and mixing of materials.
- Perform pre-use and routine equipment inspections; document and report defects, hazards, and operating concerns.
- Fuel and lubricate equipment, make minor adjustments, and assist with minor repairs within training and authorization.
- Complete required operating, inspection, and production reports; maintain clean and orderly equipment and work areas.
- Follow CEMEX safety requirements and applicable MSHA and OSHA requirements; use required protective equipment.
- Perform related equipment operation, labor, cleanup, and conveyor or production support as assigned by management, within required training and qualifications.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Prior experience in aggregate production, mining operations, or heavy equipment operation is preferred.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in the duties and equipment assigned to the position.
- Complete required safety training and qualification evaluations before performing assigned duties independently.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, safety information, and equipment manuals. Be able to communicate clearly by radio and in person, and complete required written or electronic reports.
- Be able to use basic math and measurements for assigned duties, such as calculating material quantities, volumes, slopes, grades, and production rates.
- Be able to recognize hazards, evaluate work conditions, follow instructions, and use sound judgment to make safe decisions. Identify and report problems, and seek guidance when needed.
Working Conditions
- Work occurs in quarry and processing areas around moving equipment and mechanical parts.
- Conditions may include outdoor weather, heat and cold, dust, fumes, noise, vibration, and elevated work areas.
- Required protective equipment, including respiratory protection where applicable, must be used according to site requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Work includes extended periods of equipment operation, climbing into and out of equipment, walking on uneven ground, bending, reaching, and performing inspections and assigned manual tasks. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions safely.
Legal Notices
CEMEX is an EEO/AA (equal opportunity/affirmative action) institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by under federal, state or local law in the programs or activities which it operates.
CEMEX will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all local, state and federal laws.
CEMEX is an E-Verify participating employer.
Arizona Smoke-Free Act. CEMEX complies with the State of Arizona’s Smoke-Free Act (Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-601.01). Smoking and/or the use of tobacco or related products is prohibited in and on CEMEX property as well as any building and/or vehicle owned or leased by CEMEX.
CEMEX offers both competitive pay and benefits. Benefits applicable to this position may include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Holiday Pay, as well as a comprehensive wellness program to help keep employees and their families healthy and well. You can learn more about CEMEX Benefits by visiting the CEMEX USA Benefits and Well-Being page.
The expected base compensation for this position ranges from $31.72 to $35.06 per hour, depending on, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skill sets, experience, and education.
See All 36 Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Waste Management & Environmental Services
- Chemicals & Materials
- Technology & Software
- Mining & Natural Resources
- Manufacturing
Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level heavy equipment operator job?
Start by earning a commercial driver's license or a recognized equipment certification through a vocational program, community college, or union apprenticeship. Employers at the entry level look for candidates who can demonstrate safe operating habits, basic site awareness, and familiarity with one or more machine types. Even a short internship or a summer on a construction crew strengthens your application significantly over a blank work history.
Which companies hire entry level heavy equipment operators?
Companies hiring entry level heavy equipment operators right now include Republic Services, Vulcan Materials Company, and Martin Marietta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from general contractors, excavation firms, municipal public works departments, and large infrastructure and utilities companies actively growing their field crews.
Are there remote entry level heavy equipment operator jobs?
Yes, though the nature of the work means most roles are on-site. About 0% of entry level heavy equipment operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve dispatch coordination, equipment scheduling, or fleet support rather than direct machine operation on a job site.
Are these new grad heavy equipment operator jobs?
Yes, this page includes new grad, recent graduate, and junior heavy equipment operator roles alongside other entry level listings. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it explicitly welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts an apprenticeship or vocational program in place of work history, or values a skills certification over a long resume. Look for language like "will train" or "entry level considered" in the job description.
Which industries hire the most entry level heavy equipment operators?
Entry Level heavy equipment operator roles concentrate in Waste Management & Environmental Services, Chemicals & Materials, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive consistent hiring at the entry level because active project pipelines in construction, infrastructure maintenance, and land development create steady demand for operators who are early in their careers and available to train on-site.