How to hire an equipment operator-driver

How to hire an equipment operator-driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step equipment operator-driver hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an equipment operator-driver, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect equipment operator-driver also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of equipment operators-driver.

   Type of Equipment Operator-Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Equipment Operator-Driver	Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.	$13-22
   Driver/Mover	A driver/mover is responsible for preparing and arranging items for delivery from the distribution center to assigned destinations. Driver/movers assist with loading and unloading merchandise using various warehouse tools and equipment... Show more	$11-21
   Local Driver	A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations... Show more	$15-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Dump Truck
   • Loaders
   • Tractor Trailer
   • DOT
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Backhoe
   • Hazmat
   • Drive Equipment
   • End Loaders
   • Safety Standards
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Safety Rules
   • Construction Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Deliver hazmat material to job site.
   • Operate airfield/street sweepers to remove debris from pavement surfaces.
   • Unload full pallets and double pallets of groceries and merchandise.
   • Landscape, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and bushes.
   • Arrive at and depart from pickup and discharge points as required.
   • Conduct pre and post trip inspections and regularly service the vehicles.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your equipment operator-driver job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An equipment operator-driver can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, equipment operators-driver' average salary in georgia is 56% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level equipment operators-driver 39% less than senior-level equipment operators-driver.
   • Certifications. An equipment operator-driver with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an equipment operator-driver's salary.

   Average equipment operator-driver salary

   $36,429yearly

   $17.51 hourly rate

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   Entry-level equipment operator-driver salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 26, 2025

4. Writing an equipment operator-driver job description

   An equipment operator-driver job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an equipment operator-driver job description:

   Equipment operator-driver job description example

   Looking for an opportunity where success comes naturally? Then you may have found your crew. We're looking for a Snow Equipment Operator to join our team.
   Here's what you'd do:
   
   The Snow Equipment Operator must be interested in learning to do all aspects of snow removal during the winter. Equipment Operator must also clean, maintain and secure all equipment as directed by policies and procedures.
   
   You'd be responsible for:
   Removing snow using a snow plow and heavy equipment for several hours at a time, depending on the amount of snowfall Being available each time it snows and report either to a central location or directly to the jobsite Removing snow in appropriate locations, avoiding piling it on trees, shrubs, fire hydrants or sidewalks Reporting any concerns or incidents to your direct Supervisor Filling out a job sheet as soon as you are finished working after each snow removal operation Participating in maintaining a safe and secure work environment for team employees and clients by adhering to company safety policies Being aware of safety issues or concerns, and report them to the appropriate Supervisor Performing other tasks as assigned by supervisor/manager
   You might be a good fit if you have:
   High School Diploma or GED Valid Driver's License and the ability to drive to a variety of work locations in assigned territory Reliable transportation to and from any work site
   And while not mandatory, it would be great if you also have:
   Prior experience operating snow plow equipment Ability to participate in routine maintenance of equipment Experience working efficiently in a production-driven / fast paced environment Physically able to work outside, sometimes in extreme weather conditions with sporadic hours based on a snow event Ability to lift 50 pounds Ability to climb in and out of equipment Ability to sit for long periods of time Ability to safely operate equipment Ability to communicate effectively Willing to dress appropriately for all weather conditions Able to work overnight in the winter month Dependability
   Here's what to know about working here:
   
   At BrightView, we're a tight-knit crew who are as passionate about caring for our clients as we are about each other. Though we're the nation's leading landscape company, we maintain a small company feel and supportive environment that makes our team members feel at home.
   
   If you're looking to join a crew of talented go-getters who tackle big vision projects other companies could only dream of, you might just have found your match. With our range of services, including landscape design, development, maintenance and enhancements, there's no limit to what we can do, and what you can achieve.
   
   In addition to industry-leading development opportunities, you'll also have benefits and perks like:
   Competitive salary Paid time off Medical, dental, and vision insurance
   Think you've found your crew?
   
   BrightView is an Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find equipment operators-driver 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 equipment operators-driver they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level equipment operators-driver 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 equipment operator-driver job on Zippia to find and attract quality equipment operator-driver candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit equipment operators-driver, 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.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 equipment operator-driver

   Once you have selected a candidate for the equipment operator-driver position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new equipment operator-driver first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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