Mid Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
Mid level heavy equipment operator jobs go to operators ready to take ownership of full project phases, make on-site judgment calls with minimal supervision, and guide less experienced crew members through complex tasks. Openings run predominantly on-site across Waste Management & Environmental Services, Technology & Software, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like Rumpke, Primoris Services Corporation, and Inframark hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Mid Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
INTRODUCTION
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment that perform the spreading, compaction, and/or loading of commercial and residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) or recyclable materials. These Heavy Equipment Operators may also perform earth moving operations including excavating, grading, backfilling, leveling, and moving soil, rock, and other materials to support construction, landfill, or site development projects.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Perform efficient safe operation of all heavy equipment including, but not limited to, bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, off road dump trucks, and other equipment, as required, in a manner that is compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies
- Conduct pre-trip/post-trip inspections on heavy equipment and complete necessary documentation
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment, (i.e., lubricating, fueling, and cleaning equipment)
- Operate various equipment for general site preparation, earth moving, landscaping, snow removal, and/or related assignments
- Continuously monitor the equipment to ensure proper operation and minimal down time, while also remaining aware of surroundings
- Interact professionally with internal and external customers
- Clean waste from equipment body, cab, and wheels throughout the day
- Perform on-site roll off work to switch trash compactors as needed
- Operate the yard tractor on site to move and stage trailers as needed
- Manage hazardous waste to safely move waste materials in a manner that does not damage the tanks/containers they are held in or endanger personnel or equipment (Specific to Boyd)
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Must be proficient on heavy equipment
- Ability to successfully complete training on other landfill equipment, as necessary
- Must be dependable, a self-starter, and able to identify and perform daily operational requirements
- Must possess good communication skills and be able to communicate effectively and professionally with others
- Ability to maneuver equipment through tight driving areas with heavy equipment, vehicle, and/or pedestrian traffic
- Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- Minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, backhoe, dozer, and off-road truck or similar experience preferred
- Must pass a written and operational test to be certified to operate each piece of heavy equipment
- Specific to Boyd - Must successfully complete hazardous waste management training, as provided in the Personnel Training Plan for Hazardous Waste Job Duties, within six months of employment or assignment to such job duties, along with an annual review of the initial training
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY
- Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs
- Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 10 lbs
- Frequently pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 20 lbs
- Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Frequently working inside
- Frequently working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
- Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Frequently climbing and/or balancing
- Continuously sitting
- Rarely standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment that perform the spreading, compaction, and/or loading of commercial and residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) or recyclable materials. These Heavy Equipment Operators may also perform earth moving operations including excavating, grading, backfilling, leveling, and moving soil, rock, and other materials to support construction, landfill, or site development projects.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Perform efficient safe operation of all heavy equipment including, but not limited to, bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, off road dump trucks, and other equipment, as required, in a manner that is compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies
- Conduct pre-trip/post-trip inspections on heavy equipment and complete necessary documentation
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment, (i.e., lubricating, fueling, and cleaning equipment)
- Operate various equipment for general site preparation, earth moving, landscaping, snow removal, and/or related assignments
- Continuously monitor the equipment to ensure proper operation and minimal down time, while also remaining aware of surroundings
- Interact professionally with internal and external customers
- Clean waste from equipment body, cab, and wheels throughout the day
- Perform on-site roll off work to switch trash compactors as needed
- Operate the yard tractor on site to move and stage trailers as needed
- Manage hazardous waste to safely move waste materials in a manner that does not damage the tanks/containers they are held in or endanger personnel or equipment (Specific to Boyd)
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Must be proficient on heavy equipment
- Ability to successfully complete training on other landfill equipment, as necessary
- Must be dependable, a self-starter, and able to identify and perform daily operational requirements
- Must possess good communication skills and be able to communicate effectively and professionally with others
- Ability to maneuver equipment through tight driving areas with heavy equipment, vehicle, and/or pedestrian traffic
- Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- Minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, backhoe, dozer, and off-road truck or similar experience preferred
- Must pass a written and operational test to be certified to operate each piece of heavy equipment
- Specific to Boyd - Must successfully complete hazardous waste management training, as provided in the Personnel Training Plan for Hazardous Waste Job Duties, within six months of employment or assignment to such job duties, along with an annual review of the initial training
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY
- Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs
- Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 10 lbs
- Frequently pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 20 lbs
- Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Frequently working inside
- Frequently working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
- Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Frequently climbing and/or balancing
- Continuously sitting
- Rarely standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.
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- Waste Management & Environmental Services
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- Government & Public Sector
Mid Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level heavy equipment operator job?
Position your application around direct ownership: specific machine types you operate independently, project phases you managed without close supervision, and safety records you personally maintained. Highlight relevant certifications, any cross-training on multiple equipment types, and situations where your judgment prevented delays or hazards. Employers at this level want operators who arrive ready to work, not operators who need daily direction.
Which companies hire mid level heavy equipment operators?
Companies hiring mid level heavy equipment operators right now include Rumpke, Primoris Services Corporation, and Inframark, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a mix of large commercial contractors, infrastructure firms, and industrial operations that need operators capable of running full project cycles independently.
Are there remote mid level heavy equipment operator jobs?
Yes, though the nature of the work is almost entirely on-site. About 0% of mid level heavy equipment operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those roles typically involve equipment simulation training, dispatch coordination, or operational oversight rather than hands-on machine operation. The majority of openings still require a physical job site presence.
How do I move up to a mid level heavy equipment operator role?
The path to mid level is built through consistent exposure to a wider range of equipment, demonstrated reliability on increasingly complex assignments, and a record of completing site tasks without close supervision. Operators who pursue additional certifications, cross-train on multiple machine types, and take initiative on safety and efficiency tend to reach mid level faster than those who stick to a single specialization.
Which industries hire the most mid level heavy equipment operators?
Mid Level heavy equipment operator roles concentrate in Waste Management & Environmental Services, Technology & Software, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive consistent demand because they run large-scale, long-duration projects that require experienced operators who can work independently and keep production moving across shifting site conditions.