Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tacoma, WA
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.

Directional Drill Operator/Locator
- MasTec Communications Group
- Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 7 days ago
- MasTec Communications Group
- Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 7 days ago
Overview At MasTec Communications Group we build for the future. Yours and ours. As a Directional Drill Operator/Locator, you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join...
Heavy equipment operator/Laborer
- Olalla, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 3 hours ago
- Olalla, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 3 hours ago
Experience with heavy equipment primarily in excavation and earthwork General construction Heavy equipment transportation and hauling (backing a trailer!)...
- Lakewood, WA (3 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 16 hours ago
- Lakewood, WA (3 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 16 hours ago
MACNAK Construction is in need of motivated, technically and mechanically minded Equipment Operator. The Equipment Operator must be able to operate all types of heavy equipment safely,...
- Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 2 days ago
- Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 2 days ago
Material Handler Pay: $20-21/hour Job Description We are seeking a dedicated Material Handler to accurately provide inventory information for company-controlled material stock. This role involves...
- Tukwila, WA (20 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 4 days ago
- Tukwila, WA (20 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 4 days ago
Location Address: 6545 S Glacier Street, Tukwila, Washington 98188 Work Shift: 8hr-3rd Shift (United States of America) The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift truck to stack...
Forklift Operator - Tacoma, WA Job Description Join a dynamic team where you will have the opportunity to work in both a lumber yard and warehouse environment. This role requires flexibility in...
Port Construction Services Construction Equipment Operator - (Operating Engineer Group 2)
- Seatac, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 8 days ago
- Seatac, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 8 days ago
You will excavate, break & remove paving and concrete, prepare earth for foundations, stairs, operate a reach forklift, loader, backhoe, Skid steer, Roller, etc. in support of construction operations...
- Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 9 days ago
- Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 9 days ago
DHL Supply Chain is Hiring! At DHL, you will play a part in one of the worlds most essential industries. There has never been a better time to join DHL Supply Chain. In a global business like...
Forklift Operator Pay: $19-21/Hour Location: Tacoma, WA Shift: 7AM-4:30PM Job Description We are seeking a dedicated and flexible forklift operator to join our team. This role involves working in...
Heavy Equipment Operator Journeyperson Matrix Service 401(k) United States, Washington, Tacoma Jun 05, 2025 Description Job Summary Operate backhoe, excavator, dozer, loader, grader, and trencher which...
- Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 26 days ago
- Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 26 days ago
Overview The Equipment Operator reports directly to the Plant Manager and is responsible for the safe and proper handling, loading and storage of aggregate materials; as well as the general...
Description Twitter Linkedin Facebook Google+Pinterestemail Are you interested in a job supporting a marine transportation operation in the Pacific Northwest? Come join Foss Maritime team in...
- Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 30+ days ago
- Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 30+ days ago
Directional Drill Operator Potelco, Inc. Location Sumner Posted date a day ago Minimum level N/A Employment type Full-time Job category Production About Us Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta...
Join Our Team at LRI - Sales Road Composting/ Recycling - a Waste Connections Company! We're looking for an Equipment Operator to join our team at the LRI Sales Road Composting/ Recycling in...
Heavy Equipment/Aggregate Loader Operator
- Vashon, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 45+ days ago
- Vashon, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
- 45+ days ago
equipment operator Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of crushers, wash plants, conveyors, material washers, and various other types of fixed and mobile equipment used in the...
Demographic Data for Tacoma, WA
Moving to Tacoma, WA? Find some basic demographic data about Tacoma, WA below.
Heavy Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title
Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tacoma, WA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Heavy Equipment Operator positions.
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Commercial Driver's License
- Bulldozer Operator
- Front End Loader Operator
- Backhoe Operator
- Class A CDL
- OSHA Certified
- Skid Steer Loader Operator
- Motor Grader Operator
- Mine Safety and Health Administration
- Class B CDL
- Scraper Operator
- Trackhoe Operator
- Forklift Certified
- NCCCO
Highest Education Level
Heavy Equipment Operators in Tacoma, WA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Heavy Equipment Operator position
- Order Fulfillment
- Raw Materials
- Road Construction
- Highway Construction
- Excavate
- NCCCO Certified
- Pipelayer
- Dump Truck
- Recycling
- Paving
- Underground Utilities
- Excavation
- Traffic Control
- Mowing
- Demolition
- Machine Operation
- Rigging
- Crane Operator
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Preventive Maintenance
- Concrete
- Long-Term Disability
- Inspections
- General Repair
- Drug Testing
- Loading & Unloading
- Shipping
- Forklift Operator
- Supply Chain
- Forklift
- Reimbursement
- Background Checks
- Military Background
- High School Diploma
- Driving
- Education Experience
- Regulations
- Inventory Management
- English
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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