Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia

An Equipment Operator in the utilities industry is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a variety of heavy machinery used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of utility infrastructure. This can include backhoes, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment. The operator may dig trenches, lift heavy materials, or perform other tasks necessary for the installation and maintenance of water, gas, electric, or other utility systems. They are also responsible for conducting regular inspections and basic maintenance on equipment to ensure it is in safe operating condition.

An Equipment Operator should possess a strong understanding of safety regulations, as well as possessing a high level of physical fitness and mechanical aptitude. They need to have excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to work in a team, and should be capable of operating heavy machinery in various weather conditions. In terms of certification, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally required, along with a valid driver's license. Some operators may also require special certifications depending on the type of equipment they operate, such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for large vehicles. Prior to becoming an Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Laborer, Utility Worker, or Heavy Equipment Mechanic.

1-15 of 37 Jobs

Water Treatment Plant Operator (Waterworks Class I-II-III)

  • Chesapeake, VA
  • 9 hours ago
  • Chesapeake, VA
  • 9 hours ago

Special Skills or equipment operator or other certification will be required....

Water Plant Operator

  • Hot Springs, VA
  • 2 days ago
  • Hot Springs, VA
  • 2 days ago

Aid plumbing team in maintaining water distribution system from water plant to the ends of the distribution system. Order supplies, replacement parts and fuel for water treatment plant equipment....

Gas Utility Operator

  • Hampton, VA
  • 3 days ago
  • Hampton, VA
  • 3 days ago

As an experienced Equipment Operator, after paid training, you will put your skills to work - safety operating equipment to move earth, tools and materials to and from job sites....

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

  • Elkton, VA
  • 3 days ago
  • Elkton, VA
  • 3 days ago

Preferred Class I or II Virginia State Wastewater Certification Minimum Requirement: Class IV Wastewater license and/or Electrical/PLC experience and certification Required to obtain a Class II Wastewater...

Wastewater Operator I

  • Lorton, VA
  • 6 days ago
  • Lorton, VA
  • 6 days ago

Overview The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a Wastewater Operator I....

Plant Operator - Wastewater Utility Plant

  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago

Class 1 Wastewater Works Operator License....

Machine Operator I

  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating...

Plant Operator - Wastewater Utility Plant

  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 7 days ago

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? R espect. E quity. A ccountability. D iversity YOU!!! This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth...

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Entry Level

  • Portsmouth, VA
  • 8 days ago
  • Portsmouth, VA
  • 8 days ago

Learn and apply best practices in water treatment under experienced supervision What We're Looking For: Some experience in a related field (maintenance, mechanical, utilities, construction, etc.)...

Auxiliary Plant Operator

  • Leesburg, VA
  • 9 days ago
  • Leesburg, VA
  • 9 days ago

The role also includes supporting maintenance activities and assisting with the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) water treatment plant as needed....

Fuel Processing Plant Operator

  • Richmond, VA
  • 10 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 10 days ago

We recruit the strongest candidates in the power generation industry. As a global service provider, we continually seek talented individuals....

Lead Wastewater Operator

  • Lorton, VA
  • 10 days ago
  • Lorton, VA
  • 10 days ago

The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a Lead Wastewater Operator....

Plant Operator (Schoolfield)

  • Danville, VA
  • 13 days ago
  • Danville, VA
  • 13 days ago

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, LLC Plant Operator (Schoolfield) Danville, VA - Full Time About the role: The purpose of the Power Plant Operator is to support the overall operation of the...

Treatment Plant Operator: Haynesville Treatment Plant #01315

  • Richmond, VA
  • 15 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 15 days ago

We offer apprenticeship/trainee opportunities which provide on-the-job training and support that prepares the candidate to test for and obtain professional licensure in water and/or waste-water treatment...

Senior Power Plant Operator

  • Fairfax, VA
  • 16 days ago
  • Fairfax, VA
  • 16 days ago

Senior Power Plant Operator Inova Health System parental leave, paid time off United States, Virginia, Fairfax 8095 Innovation Park Drive (Show on map) Jun 17, 2025 Inova Alexandria Hospital is...

Demographic Data for Virginia

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


Local
National
8,631,637
205,142

Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireUtilities 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...
Biomedical Equipment: Repairing and Maintaining Biomedical Devices
Understand the working of biomedical devices that are frequently used in a hospital setting. Develop the skills required to effectively maintain and troubleshoot hospital-based devices to increase...
Medical Equipment Donations to Low Resource Settings
Unavailability of essential clinical equipment can be a serious problem in low-resource settings. Whilst medical equipment donations can play a critical role in filling gaps, without careful...

Salary for Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia

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

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Equipment Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Equipment Operators in Virginia offer the following education background
High School or GED
32.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
22.3%
Bachelor's Degree
20.6%
Associate's Degree
15.4%
Master's Degree
5.9%
Some College
2.3%
Some High School
0.8%
Doctorate Degree
0.7%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Equipment Operators in Virginia
Less than 1 year
47.6%
2-4 years
22.5%
1-2 years
16.1%
None
13.7%


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