Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tennessee

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 129 Jobs

Skid steer/mini excavator operator

  • Charlotte, TN
  • 1 hour ago
  • Charlotte, TN
  • 1 hour ago

Looking to hire EXPERIENCED part-time skid steer/mini excavator operator. Need some grading work done around Farm and some material moved and Hay placed out. $27.50 per hour CASH. Text or call ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Athens, TN
  • 7 hours ago
  • Athens, TN
  • 7 hours ago

Machine/Heavy Equipment Operators or skilled tradesman needed for our Main Office and various jobs in Athens, TN. Full time positions. Dayshift. Pay based on skill set/abilities. Payday is weekly....

CDL-A Local Driver / Forklift Operator, Full-time

  • Memphis, TN
  • 11 hours ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 11 hours ago

Pickup and delivery of cargo to and from various destinations usually within proximity of the consolidation/distribution center. The loading and unloading of trailers utilizing the same...

Laborer/Heavy Equipment Operator Oakland, Tennessee

  • Oakland, TN
  • 17 hours ago
  • Oakland, TN
  • 17 hours ago

Laborer/Heavy Equipment Operator Oakland, Tennessee at J Cumby Construction Inc in Oakland, Tennessee, United States Job Description Company Overview J....

General Labor/ Equipment Operator

  • Cleveland, TN
  • 1 day ago
  • Cleveland, TN
  • 1 day ago

Join the Elite Team at Elite Earthworks Shape the Future with Us! Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Elite Earthworks is a premier earthmoving and construction company specializing...

Equipment Operator

  • Springfield, TN
  • 1 day ago
  • Springfield, TN
  • 1 day ago

Kelly Services has Forklift openings on 1st & 2nd shift in Springfield, TN! Pay is between $19.50-$21.50 per hour. The ideal candidates will operate various types of equipment, including clamp...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator BRANDENBURG INDUSTRIAL SVC CO United States, Tennessee, Memphis Jun 11, 2025 Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator System requires web browser Internet Explorer 10 or higher,...

Loader Operator - Nights

  • Nashville, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Nashville, TN
  • 2 days ago

Loader Operator - Nights Vulcan Materials Company - 3.5 Antioch, TN Job Details Full-time Estimated: $42.5K - $56.6K a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance...

Experienced Bulldozer Operator needed

  • Fairview, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Fairview, TN
  • 2 days ago

un Experienced Bulldozer Operator needed (Fairview, TN) Trotter Construction compensation: $30-35/hour, depending on experience employment type: experience level: mid level job title: Bulldozer Operator...

Crane Operator, MMS, Memphis, TN.

  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago

Crane Operator, MMS, Memphis, TN. EDW C Levy $23-$29/HR, based on experience.Plus $2/HR Shift Differential for Nights tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, Tennessee, Memphis 3601 Riverport...

Dozer Operator

  • Maryville, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Maryville, TN
  • 2 days ago

Dozer Operator - 250001HQ Description Build Your Career. Build America's Future. Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of...

Heavy Equipment Operator, SMS

  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago

The Heavy Equipment Operators perform all functions as it pertains to operating heavy off-road mobile equipment....

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 2 days ago

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Works under the general supervision of an assigned supervisor. Performs heavy construction and demolition work including but not limited to major earth work, sewer...

Forklift Operator

  • Knoxville, TN
  • 2 days ago
  • Knoxville, TN
  • 2 days ago

Overview As a Forklift Operator, you'll get to load and unload trailer with wooden pallets and move pallets inside our plants to keep manufacturing production moving efficiently! We're looking for...

Heavy Equipment Operator - 2334210

  • Heiskell, TN
  • 3 days ago
  • Heiskell, TN
  • 3 days ago

Job Description: Pay: $23.00 to $25.00 per hour DOE What is the value of a WM job? The value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. Its a way to create opportunities for you and your family. We Are...

Demographic Data for Tennessee

Moving to Tennessee? Find some basic demographic data about Tennessee below.


Local
National
6,903,473
143,447

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 Tennessee

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


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
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 »