Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description

This role involves operating heavy construction equipment to accurately grade and level trench bases and site surfaces, install and align underground utilities, and perform deep excavation and trenching in accordance with safety regulations. The heavy equipment operator reads and interprets project plans and grade information, maintains machinery in good working order, and contributes to a clean, efficient, and safe jobsite.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, loaders, and backhoes, to grade and level trench bases and site surfaces to tight tolerances using laser systems or GPS machine control.

• Lay, align, and position various pipe materials such as PVC, ductile iron, and concrete for water mains, sewer lines, and storm drains.

• Perform deep excavation, trenching, and shoring while adhering to OSHA regulations and established safety guidelines.

• Read and interpret blueprints, grade stakes, and schematics to establish proper grade, slope, and alignment for underground utilities and site work.

• Efficiently operate excavators to dig trenches and set pipe sections, ensuring accurate alignment and proper bedding.

• Conduct daily equipment inspections, including greasing and minor maintenance, to ensure machinery operates safely and efficiently.

• Monitor work area conditions and make sharp, timely decisions, particularly when working under pressure or in changing site conditions.

• Provide and follow direction to coordinate tasks with crew members and support overall project workflow.

• Assist coworkers to keep the jobsite clean, organized, and free of hazards at the end of each shift.

• Offer constructive suggestions to refine workflow, improve efficiency, and support continuous improvement on the jobsite.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, and backhoes in a civil or construction environment.

• Proficiency in grading and leveling using laser systems or GPS machine control.

• Ability to safely perform deep excavation, trenching, and shoring in compliance with OSHA regulations.

• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, grade stakes, and schematics.

• Exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precise equipment operation.

• Sound understanding of relevant safety guidelines and safe work practices on civil jobsites.

• Capacity to provide clear direction and to follow instructions from supervisors and project leaders.

• Sharp decision-making skills, especially under pressure and in dynamic field conditions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily job duties.

• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on civil construction projects involving water, sewer, and storm drain installation.

• Familiarity with laser systems and GPS machine control technology for grading and excavation.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with crew members and other trades.

• Demonstrated initiative in suggesting workflow improvements and efficiency enhancements.

• Reliability and flexibility to travel locally to various worksites as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a professional, safety-focused environment where your skills with heavy equipment are valued and developed. The role offers exposure to a variety of civil construction projects, providing opportunities to expand your experience with modern grading technologies and utility installation. Collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged, and you can take pride in contributing to essential infrastructure work in the local community.

Work Environment

This position is based on civil construction jobsites, working outdoors and in the elements throughout the year. You will travel locally to various worksites and operate heavy equipment in active construction zones. The environment is fast-paced and safety-oriented, with adherence to OSHA regulations and site-specific safety guidelines. Work may involve extended hours, physical labor including lifting up to 50 pounds, and consistent coordination with a field crew to maintain an organized and efficient jobsite.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Summerville, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Summerville, SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Summerville,SC.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.