Traveling Equipment Operator ​/ Ground Protection

Join Our Team! Sunbelt Rentals strives to be the customer's first choice in the equipment rental industry. From pumps to scaffolding to general construction tools, we aim to be the only call needed to outfit a job site with the proper equipment. Not only do we offer a vast fleet that ranks among the best in the industry, we pair it all with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Our employees are our greatest asset, and although we present a comprehensive equipment offering, our expertise and service are what truly distinguish us from the competition. We pride ourselves on investing in our workforce and offer competitive benefits, as well as extensive on-the-job training for all eligible employees. As a highly successful national company, we are constantly looking for talented individuals to support our growth.

If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career, we invite you to review our opportunities!

Field Operator – Ground Protection (Heavy Travel)

Location:

St. Louis Metro Area & Surrounding Region (Open to candidates across the broader metroplex!)

CRITICAL REQUIREMENT:
Heavy & Flexible Travel This is a high-travel role built for road warriors. If you love life on the move, this is for you! Travel Frequency:
Expect constant travel across the lower 48 states. Flexibility:
Must be ready to hit the road on short notice / at a moment's notice. Trip Duration:
Typically away for 3–5 days at a time (occasional 2–3 week deployments during peak project demands, though less common). If you are unable or unwilling to travel extensively, this role will not be a good fit.

• All Travel Covered:
  Hotels and accommodations are 100% company-paid.
• $50/Day Per Diem:
  Extra daily cash allowance in your pocket for meals while traveling.
• On-the-Clock Travel:
  You are paid for your travel hours—time spent getting to the jobsite is work time!
• Massive Overtime Opportunities:
  Working on field job sites almost always guarantees overtime pay, giving a huge boost to your overall earning potential.
• Top-Tier Benefits:
  Full medical, dental, vision, 4K/401(k) match, paid time off, and stability with an industry leader.

Sunbelt Rentals is looking for a hands-on Equipment Operator / Field Associate to join our Ground Protection team. If you thrive in the outdoors, love operating heavy machinery, and want a dynamic role where no two days look the same, this is the position for you. In this role, you won't just be standing around—you will be the driving force behind setting up heavy-access roads and event flooring systems.

Your primary focus will be operating heavy equipment (like skid steers and forklifts) to efficiently load, unload, and lay down massive protective matting systems on major project sites nationwide.

• Machine Operation:
  Safely and skillfully operate skid steers, wheel loaders, and forklifts to move, load, unload, and hopscotch heavy ground mats in the yard and out on job sites.
• Ground Support:
  Work closely with a tight-knit crew and a foreman to install and remove heavy-access roads, ensuring a safe and efficient setup.
• Site & Equipment Safety:
  Serve as a ground spotter during equipment loading, perform daily pre-operation maintenance checks on tools/machinery, and visually inspect returns for damage.
• Nationwide Field Freedom:
  Travel across the lower 48 states to various jobsites, adapting to different terrain and outdoor environments.

• 100% Willingness to Travel:
  Ready for constant travel (lower 48 states), last-minute departures, and multi-day/multi-week stays on the road.
• Physical Grit:
  Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions, bending, crouching, and lifting 50+ lbs regularly.
• Equipment
  
  Experience:
  
  Prior experience running skid steers, track loaders, forklifts, or similar heavy yard/construction equipment is highly preferred.
• Mechanical Aptitude:
  Strong hands‑on experience or training with mechanical equipment, industrial machinery, or a solid background in manual labor/field services.
• Certifications:
  
  OSHA 10 strongly preferred.
• Basic Tech
  
  Skills:
  
  Comfort using basic MS Office…