Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Kentucky

A Heavy Equipment Operator in the landscaping industry operates large machinery used in the construction and maintenance of landscapes. Their duties may include grading terrain, hauling materials, digging holes for planting, and other tasks where heavy machinery is needed. The operator is responsible for the safe and efficient use of equipment, typically including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. They also perform routine inspections and maintenance on the machinery, ensuring it is in good working condition.

Important skills for a Heavy Equipment Operator include mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions. A high school diploma is usually required, along with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a certification in heavy equipment operations. This certification can be obtained through trade schools or community colleges. Before becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Laborer or a Landscape Worker, which provide relevant experiences like operating smaller machinery, understanding of landscape designs and plans, and familiarity with the industry's safety requirements.

1-15 of 74 Jobs

Asphalt Paver Operator

  • Owensboro, KY
  • 17 hours ago
  • Owensboro, KY
  • 17 hours ago

Job ID: 511686 Hinkle Contracting, LLC, a CRH company, would like to welcome you to one of the finest construction companies in Kentucky. Hinkle operates one of Kentucky's most extensive networks...

Gardener (Tractor Operator)

  • Louisville, KY
  • 21 hours ago
  • Louisville, KY
  • 21 hours ago

sod, aerating, pruning and trimming trees and shrubs, and applying chemical control agents according to specific directions....

High Reach Forklift Operator

  • Mount Sterling, KY
  • 1 day ago
  • Mount Sterling, KY
  • 1 day ago

Keeps production supplied by retrieving materials and supplies; operating a forklift. Duties: Plans supply and material requirements by studying production schedule; scheduling deliveries to...

Forklift Operator

  • Buckner, KY
  • 1 day ago
  • Buckner, KY
  • 1 day ago

Ryder is immediately hiring a Permanent Full Time Forklift Operator in Buckner, Kentucky Warehouse Positions Pay Weekly Hourly Pay $20.50 per hour Overtime Pay $30.75 per hour Additional Pay:...

Forklift Operator - Versailles

  • Nicholasville, KY
  • 1 day ago
  • Nicholasville, KY
  • 1 day ago

The Forklift Operator uses industrial, powered, computer-equipped standup forklifts to move materials throughout the distribution center and place product in designated areas. You will need to be...

1st Shift Forklift Operator Recycling Department

  • Florence, KY
  • 2 days ago
  • Florence, KY
  • 2 days ago

Operates material handling equipment to move product. Follows specific instructions and completes daily tasks froms. Completes preventive maintenance check list on a daily basis. Verifies the...

Forklift Operator

  • Covington, KY
  • 2 days ago
  • Covington, KY
  • 2 days ago

Pour ceux qui souhaitent continuer a grandir, apprendre et evoluer. Chez Kelly, nous sommes a votre ecoute et nous sommes la pour vous! Nous recherchons un preparateur de commandes pour travailler...

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been...

Full Time 1st Shift Forklift Operator II

  • Covington, KY
  • 2 days ago
  • Covington, KY
  • 2 days ago

Requisition ID: 224425 Posting Locations: Erlanger Pay: $20.00 Rate Frequency: Hourly Click here to view a Day in the Life of our Teammates! Our Secret Ingredient is our Teammates. We offer great...

Full Time 1st Shift Forklift Operator II

  • Edgewood, KY
  • 2 days ago
  • Edgewood, KY
  • 2 days ago

Requisition ID: 224425 Posting Locations: Erlanger Pay: $20.00Rate Frequency: Hourly Click here to view a Day in the Life of our Teammates! Our Secret Ingredient is our Teammates. We offer great...

Asphalt Paver Operator

  • Owensboro, KY
  • 3 days ago
  • Owensboro, KY
  • 3 days ago

Job ID: 511686 Hinkle Contracting, LLC, a CRH company, would like to welcome you to one of the finest construction companies in Kentucky. Hinkle operates one of Kentuckys most extensive networks...

Forklift Operator - Sit Down - Now Hiring

  • Georgetown, KY
  • 3 days ago
  • Georgetown, KY
  • 3 days ago

Ready to earn more and receive better benefits in a new sit down forklift operator role? If you're a detail-oriented stand-up clamp forklift operator with an impeccable safety record, excellent...

Forklift Operator

  • Nicholasville, KY
  • 3 days ago
  • Nicholasville, KY
  • 3 days ago

The Forklift Operator uses industrial, powered, computer-equipped standup forklifts to move materials throughout the distribution center and place product in designated areas. You will need to be...

Forklift Operator Warehouse

  • Buckner, KY
  • 3 days ago
  • Buckner, KY
  • 3 days ago

Ryder is immediately hiring a Permanent Full Time Sit Down Forklift Operators in Buckner, Kentucky Warehouse Positions Pay Weekly Hourly Pay $20.00 per hour Overtime Pay $30.00 per hour Additional...

Forklift Operator

  • Louisville, KY
  • 3 days ago
  • Louisville, KY
  • 3 days ago

Forklift Operator UW Solutions United States, Kentucky, Louisville Jun 06, 2025 UW Interco, LLC 1st Shift Job Summary The Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) Operator is responsible for safely...

Demographic Data for Kentucky

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


Local
National
4,513,190
91,158

Heavy Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireLandscaping 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...

Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Kentucky

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

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Heavy Equipment Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Kentucky offer the following education background
High School or GED
36.6%
Bachelor's Degree
24.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
16.4%
Associate's Degree
13.3%
Some High School
3.4%
Some College
2.9%
Master's Degree
2.6%
Doctorate Degree
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Heavy Equipment Operators in Kentucky
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