How to hire a cat operator

How to hire a cat operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cat operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cat operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cat operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cat operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cat operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cat operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cat operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of cat operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Cat Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Cat Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-22
   Forklift Driver	A forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more	$12-19
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • DIG

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Dig out around certains areas that hold too much snow and spread it out accordingly.
   • Provide leadership by establishing clear expectations and demonstrating high standards of work practices and safety conscious behavior.
   • Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
   • Operate finish grade bulldozer with Topcon and/or Trimble G.P.S.
   • Provide troubleshooting, conflict management, and expedient resolution of technical and/or floor issues with solutions-orient leadership.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cat operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cat operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cat operators' average salary in north carolina is 32% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cat operators earn 41% less than senior-level cat operators.
   • Certifications. A cat operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cat operator's salary.

   Average cat operator salary

   $35,910yearly

   $17.26 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cat operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

4. Writing a cat operator job description

   A good cat operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a cat operator job description:

   Cat operator job description example

   Hourly wage: $18.00 - $21.00

   SUMMARY:
   Snow cat and Winch cat operator to work swing shift 4pm to 12am or graveyard shift 12am to 9am. Graveyard shift may work longer hours do to overnight weather conditions. Snowbasin grooming team is committed to producing the best product for our customers.

   
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned):
   1. Pre and post shift vehicle inspection, filling out of log book and reporting issues to vehicle maintenance.
   2. Operate snow cat under the direction of shift supervisor.
   3. Complete assigned tasks/projects in a timely manner with a high level of quality.
   4. Report grooming/safety problems to supervisor.
   5. Keep vehicle clean and clutter free.

   
   EQUIPMENT USED:
   Prinoth Bison X, Prinoth Leitwolf X, Prinoth Bison Winch, Prinoth Leitwolf Winch

   
   RESPONSIBILITIES TO SAFETY:
   1. Proper clothing and footwear.
   2. Use of seatbelt/safety harness
   3. Vehicle and environment awareness.

   ADDITIONAL GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO SAFETY:

   1. Protect the safety of self, co-workers, and Snowbasin Resort guests at all times.
   2. Promptly report any potentially harmful equipment or situations to the immediate supervisor and/or appropriate department(s).
   3. Report safety-related accidents and incidents at once to immediate supervisor and appropriate department(s), following documented procedures.
   4. Follow all company and department safety policies and procedures as outlined in the Resort’s Occupational Safety & Health Compliance Manual and department-specific procedures or manuals.
   5. Operate equipment in a safe manner that will not lead to injury of yourself or others.
   6. Drive in accordance with the law and Snowbasin Resort policies.

   NOTE: This job description shall not be construed as a contract for employment. As a prerequisite to employment, a background check will be required. Results of a background check are not immediate grounds for disqualification.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find cat operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any cat operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level cat operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cat operator job on Zippia to find and recruit cat operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cat operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cat operator

   Once you've selected the best cat operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new cat operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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