Resume Example
Heavy Equipment Operator Resume Example
Emphasize safe equipment operation, grading accuracy, and site productivity. This sample focuses on reliability.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Moved 5M cubic yards with zero safety incidents across 18 months.
- Improved grade accuracy to within 0.1 ft using GPS controls.
- Completed daily inspections that reduced downtime by 14%.
Soft skills
- Safety focus
- Situational awareness
- Communication
- Reliability
Certifications
- NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator
- OSHA 10
- CDL
Why this works
- Shows safety record and uptime improvements.
- Highlights precision and productivity on site.
- Demonstrates maintenance discipline.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Heavy Equipment Operator Resume
Highlight Equipment Certifications
Feature specific equipment operated (excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, cranes) and certifications held. Include OSHA and MSHA training.
Showcase Equipment Experience
Demonstrate years on each equipment type, project types worked, and operating conditions. Include GPS/grade control system experience.
Quantify Productivity
Use metrics like cubic yards moved, pipe laid per day, or acres graded. Show efficiency and production achievements.
Include Safety Record
Highlight zero-incident record, safety certifications, and pre-operation inspection practices. Include confined space and hazmat training if applicable.
Demonstrate Specialized Skills
Include precision grading, underground utility installation, or demolition experience. Show ability to read grade stakes and blueprints.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Heavy Equipment Operator with 12 years operating excavators, dozers, and loaders on highway and pipeline projects. Expert in GPS grade control achieving ±0.02' accuracy. Zero OSHA recordables over 15,000+ operating hours. NCCCO crane certified.”
Shows equipment types, project types, precision, safety record, and certification.
“Excavator Operator specializing in utility installation with 8 years experience. Average 800 LF of pipe installation daily. Proficient in Trimble and Topcon GPS systems. Led equipment operations on $20M commercial site development.”
Specialty focus, production metrics, technology skills, and project scale.
“Equipment operator with experience on various machines. Good safety record and reliable.”
Too vague, no specific equipment or certifications, missing metrics.
“Seeking equipment operator position. Have CDL and willing to learn new equipment.”
No operating experience, CDL alone doesn't qualify for heavy equipment.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Heavy Equipment Operator Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not listing specific equipment types and sizes
- ✗Missing certifications (OSHA, MSHA, NCCCO)
- ✗Omitting hours of operation experience
- ✗Being vague about project types and industries
- ✗Not showing GPS/grade control proficiency
- ✗Missing safety record and production metrics
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 40,000-50,000 | EUR 27,600-34,500 | CAD 46,400-58,000 |
| Mid | USD 50,000-65,000 | EUR 34,500-44,800 | CAD 58,000-75,400 |
| Senior | USD 65,000-85,000 | EUR 44,800-58,600 | CAD 75,400-98,600 |
Market themes
- Infrastructure projects drive demand
US hot markets
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Colorado
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Calgary
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should equipment operators emphasize?
Safety record, precision, and productivity.
Which metrics stand out?
Downtime reduction, grading accuracy, and incident-free hours.
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