Excavator Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator – Drilling Operator)

Job Description

Join a high-performing civil construction team as a Heavy Equipment Operator specializing in excavator drilling operations for utility substation projects. You will operate an excavator equipped with an auger attachment to drill vertical holes in standard earth terrain and open farmland, reaching depths of 50–100 feet for transformer foundations. You will play a key role in supporting critical infrastructure projects while maintaining strict safety, quality, and communication standards on busy construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate an excavator equipped with a drilling (auger) attachment to perform vertical drilling on utility substation construction projects.

• Drill to specified depths, typically between 50 and 100 feet, in standard earth terrain and open farmland for transformer foundations and related structures.

• Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to ensure accurate drilling locations, depths, and alignment.

• Coordinate closely with site supervision and other crew members to plan and execute drilling operations efficiently and safely.

• Maintain continuous communication with ground personnel and other equipment operators to ensure safe and coordinated site operations.

• Exercise strong situational awareness at all times, recognizing and responding to potential hazards on a busy job site.

• Follow all OSHA and site-specific safety protocols, including safe equipment operation, adherence to traffic patterns, and respect for exclusion zones.

• Conduct basic pre-operation inspections of the excavator and any other assigned equipment, checking for mechanical or safety issues.

• Report equipment issues, defects, or safety concerns promptly to supervision so that corrective actions can be taken.

• Assist with general site tasks related to civil construction and utility substation work as needed, while maintaining a safety-first mindset.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating excavators in a construction or civil environment.

• Hands-on experience using heavy equipment with drilling or auger attachments, or a strong ability to learn drilling operations quickly.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to ensure accurate drilling work.

• Strong understanding of OSHA safety standards and safe heavy equipment operating practices.

• Demonstrated situational awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe job site for yourself and others.

• Effective communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, spotters, and other team members in a busy construction environment.

• Ability to perform basic pre-operation inspections and identify potential equipment issues.

• Valid driver’s license preferred, with the ability to be insured to operate company vehicles, enabling travel between job sites when required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on utility substation, civil construction, or infrastructure projects.

• Experience operating other heavy equipment such as dozers or additional heavy equipment operator (HEO) roles.

• Flexibility to travel to various job sites across different regions when needed.

• Professional demeanor and the ability to adhere to site codes of conduct and client expectations.

• Willingness to work outdoors in changing weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that invests in its people and supports long-term career growth in the civil and utility construction industry. Once you transition to full-time status, you will be eligible for comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits. When working away from home, hotel accommodations are covered and you will receive a daily per diem for food and incidentals, helping to offset travel-related expenses. You will gain exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects across multiple regions, work with experienced professionals, and develop your skills on modern heavy equipment in a safety-focused environment.

Work Environment

You will work primarily on utility substation construction sites located in open farmland and similar terrain across Indiana, Ohio, and other Midwestern and Eastern states. The job requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, including hot and humid summers with potential thunderstorms and cold winters with rain, freezing rain, snow, wind, and extreme low temperatures. The site follows strict OSHA-based safety protocols, with high levels of activity and multiple pieces of heavy equipment operating simultaneously. Clear communication, strong situational awareness, and a zero-tolerance approach to distracted operating are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

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.