Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Dakota

A Heavy Equipment Operator in the construction industry operates large machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, which are utilized for construction projects. Their key responsibilities include maneuvering heavy equipment safely and efficiently, performing basic maintenance checks, and ensuring the machinery is in good working order. They are essential to the construction process as they clear and grade land, excavate earth, lift heavy materials, and perform other tasks that require specialized equipment. They also should have a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents on the job site.

Potential Heavy Equipment Operators should possess excellent hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, technical skills, and mechanical knowledge. They should also understand how to read blueprints and topographic maps. It's crucial for them to have certification from a recognized heavy equipment operator training school, and some states may require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Before becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Construction Laborer, Forklift Operator, or Truck Driver. These positions can provide valuable experience in the construction industry, and help individuals gain familiarity with different types of machinery.

1-15 of 31 Jobs
MasTec Communications Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community....

Equipment Operator

  • Fort Pierre, SD
  • 3 days ago
  • Fort Pierre, SD
  • 3 days ago

Equipment Operator Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer - Large and Small Machinery Fort Pierre, SDGeneral Services **Summary:**Morris, Inc. is seeking a driven individual to operate heavy equipment such...

Heavy Equipment Operator - Class A

  • Sturgis, SD
  • 3 days ago
  • Sturgis, SD
  • 3 days ago

Meade County Heavy Equipment Operator - Class A Department: Highway Posting: #24- Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement Closing Date: Open Until Filled Starting Wage: $23.19/hour Non-Exempt Wage...

Motor Grader - Heavy Equipment Operator - Lemmon, SD

  • Lemmon, SD
  • 3 days ago
  • Lemmon, SD
  • 3 days ago

. | Full Time | Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match, Safety Bonus Heavy Equipment Operator Type: Full time Salary: DOE Position Overview The Motor Grader-Heavy Equipment Operator is required to excavate...

Heavy Equipment Operator - Lemmon, SD

  • Lemmon, SD
  • 3 days ago
  • Lemmon, SD
  • 3 days ago

. | Full Time | Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match and Safety Bonus Heavy Equipment Operator Type: Full time Compensation: Hourly, South Dakota Prevailing Wage Rates Position Overview The Heavy Equipment...

Loader Operator

  • Harrisburg, SD
  • 5 days ago
  • Harrisburg, SD
  • 5 days ago

trucks, pickups, and or flatbed type trailers....

CDL Driver and Crane Operator

  • Buffalo, SD
  • 6 days ago
  • Buffalo, SD
  • 6 days ago

Ace in the Hole Construction in Buffalo, SD is hiring experienced CDL drivers and crane operators for oil field service work. We are a small business that values community and family involvement,...

Part-time Equipment Operator - Landfill

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 9 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 9 days ago

Hourly wage: $22.50/hour The City of Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill is accepting applications for a part time Equipment Operator. This is a non-benefited position working approximately 28...

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 9 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 9 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator** **Company:** RMS Drainage and Excavation **Location:** Sioux Falls, SD **Position:**Full-Time Heavy Equipment Operator **Salary:** $20-$35/hour **About Us:** RMS Drainage...

Equipment Operator

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 10 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 10 days ago

If you are a **Heavy Equipment Operator** and want to work alongside other proven Craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior workmanship, this is your chance to advance your career!...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Mitchell, SD
  • 12 days ago
  • Mitchell, SD
  • 12 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator- Weekly Pay- Start ASAP Pay: $25-$35/hour Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 am - 5 pm We are seeking a dedicated Heavy Equipment Operator who is willing to engage in various general labor...

Crane Operator

  • Rapid City, SD
  • 12 days ago
  • Rapid City, SD
  • 12 days ago

Crane Operator D&W Crane Rapid City, SD Full-time Construction / Physical Labor / Skilled Trades Posted on June 02, 2025 Crane Operator/Truck Driver Operate or learn to operate various types of...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 12 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 12 days ago

Sioux Falls, SD General Labor / Warehouse Heavy Equipment Operator Heavy Equipment Operator TJN Enterprises, Inc....

GPS Dozer Operator

  • Kadoka, SD
  • 15 days ago
  • Kadoka, SD
  • 15 days ago

We specialize in a wide range of services, including excavation, site development, and road construction....

Equipment Operator

  • Brookings, SD
  • 19 days ago
  • Brookings, SD
  • 19 days ago

Volga, SD Construction Equipment Operator Equipment Operator Midland Contracting Inc Brookings, SD Posted/Updated: 5 days ago Job Description Midland Contracting, Inc. is a progressive...

Demographic Data for South Dakota

Moving to South Dakota? Find some basic demographic data about South Dakota below.


Local
National
884,808
27,563

Heavy Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireConstruction curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
Heavy Equipment Operator Course: Excavator & Skid Steer CertificationOur comprehensive Heavy Equipment Operator Course offers online training and expert instruction on two essential pieces of...
Heavy Metal 101
This is not a metallurgy class! Learn everything you ever wanted to know about heavy metal music. Topics of this video lecture series include musicology, history, metal culture, music theory,...
Load Securement for Heavy Equipment (US) Course
The North American Cargo Securement Standard forms the basis for the cargo securement and distribution regulations in the United States and Canada. The regulations are designed to ensure cargo...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title


Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Dakota

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireConstruction research efforts.


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in South Dakota offer the following education background
High School or GED
48.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
23.3%
Associate's Degree
10.7%
Bachelor's Degree
10.3%
Some College
2.9%
Master's Degree
2.1%
Some High School
1.8%
Doctorate Degree
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Heavy Equipment Operators in South Dakota
2-4 years
36.6%
Less than 1 year
26.8%
1-2 years
19.9%
4-6 years
16.3%
None
0.4%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



Heavy Equipment Operator Related Career Advice Articles

Young man working construction job
Top Construction Jobs for Flexibility and Upward Mobility

If you are interested in seizing control of your schedule or challenging yourself to advance in the workplace, take a look at the guide below.

Read article »
construction worker figures building atop an increasing pile of coins
Increasing Construction Wages & The Looming Talent Shortage

Is there a talent shortage in construction? Now that the jobs are returning, the workers are not, and this is a serious cause for concern among builders.

Read article »
construction professional on a job site
Guide to Construction Certifications

Want to take your construction career to the next level? View our construction certifications list to find the best construction certification for you.

Read article »