Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Dakota

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 16 Jobs

Excavator operator

  • Spearfish, SD
  • 7 hours ago
  • Spearfish, SD
  • 7 hours ago

Excavator Operator Company: First General Services Location: Spearfish, SD Salary: $20$30 per hour (negotiable based on experience) Job Type: Full-time About Us: First General Services is a...

Loader Operator

  • Vermillion, SD
  • 4 days ago
  • Vermillion, SD
  • 4 days ago

Operates straight or articulated rubber-tired tractor-type vehicle equipped with front-mounted hydraulically powered bucket or forks to lift and transport bulk materials to and from storage yard...

SIMON Loader Operator

  • Rapid City, SD
  • 9 days ago
  • Rapid City, SD
  • 9 days ago

Simon is a subsidiary of Colas USA with operations throughout Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. We specialize in aggregate, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete materials production, with...

Part-Time Forklift Operator (5pm-9pm)

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 11 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 11 days ago

JOB TITLE: Freight Handler DEPARTMENT: Operations JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt SHIFT: Monday-Friday (5pm-9pm) PAY: $22.00/hr REPORTS TO: Service Center Manager JOB SUMMARY Are you seeking a warehouse...

Forklift Operator - Part-Time

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 11 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 11 days ago

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Minimum qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age Able to do basic math calculations, with and without a calculator Available to work a...

Forklift Operator

  • North Sioux City, SD
  • 12 days ago
  • North Sioux City, SD
  • 12 days ago

Salary Not Available Forklift Operator RED'S ALL NATURAL Occupation: Production Workers, All Other Location: NORTH SIOUX CITY, SD - 57049 Positions available: 1 Job #: 10698386 Source: IowaWORKS...

Forklift Operator - Part-Time

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

What youll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Minimum qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age Able to do basic math calculations, with and without a calculator Available to work a...

Dock Worker/Forklift Operator - PM Shift

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 14 days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 14 days ago

Are you someone who never rests on their laurels, always strives to go above and beyond, and is committed to keeping your PROMISES? Do you appreciate a company culture that is open, fosters...

Seasonal Loader Operator

  • Wilmot, SD
  • 17 days ago
  • Wilmot, SD
  • 17 days ago

Back to search " Seasonal Loader Operator Job ID: 18367 Location: WILMOT, SD, US, 57279 Date posted: Mar 19, 2025 Employment Type: Hourly Schedule: Seasonal Job ID: 18367 Work Arrangement: On-Site...

Part-Time Forklift Operator (3pm-7pm)

  • Watertown, SD
  • 22 days ago
  • Watertown, SD
  • 22 days ago

JOB TITLE: Freight Handler DEPARTMENT: Operations JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt SHIFT: Monday-Friday (3pm-7pm) PAY: $22.00/hr REPORTS TO: Service Center Manager JOB SUMMARY Are you seeking a warehouse...

Crane Operator

  • Tea, SD
  • 45+ days ago
  • Tea, SD
  • 45+ days ago

Apply Description Assemble and fabricate metal cabinets, enclosures, bases, and/or other components. Perform all crane movements within the facility, including moving bases and buildings, setting...

Heavy Forklift Operator

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 90+ days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 90+ days ago

Job ID: 509306 Non-Exempt Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH company, is the leading provider of utility infrastructure solutions for the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North...

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

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 30+ days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 30+ days 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...

Crane Operator

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 45+ days ago
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 45+ days ago

With over 110 years in business in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Journey Construction, a division of Journey Group, is growing and seeking an experienced Crane Operator to join our team to operate...

Customer Service / Loader Operator

  • Harrisburg, SD
  • 45+ days ago
  • Harrisburg, SD
  • 45+ days ago

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the country, and we...

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

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.
Infection Control for Caregivers and Families
You will be interested in this not-for-credit course if you are a caregiver or just looking for online resources to better understand infection prevention and control. This course provides...
Python
Learn the most important language for data science. This course covers the key Python skills you’ll need so you can start using Python for data science. The course is ideal for someone with some...
Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
Become A Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor! ISSA's Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor course fully prepares fitness fans and pros alike to lead successful, fun, and fitness results-driven...

Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Dakota

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 South Dakota offer the following education background
High School or GED
36.1%
Bachelor's Degree
24.9%
Vocational Degree or Certification
17.4%
Associate's Degree
12.3%
Some High School
3.4%
Master's Degree
2.8%
Some College
2.8%
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