Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role operates a variety of heavy equipment on civil construction sites to support trenching, grading, excavation, and general earthwork activities. You safely and efficiently handle machinery such as excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, and motor graders while working in active construction zones. You interpret site plans and grades, perform routine equipment inspections, and collaborate closely with ground crews to complete projects accurately and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders, and motor graders (as needed) in a safe and efficient manner.

• Perform trenching, grading, excavation, and general site preparation for civil construction and earthworks projects.

• Read and interpret blueprints, site plans, grade stakes, and layout information to complete work to specified elevations and dimensions.

• Conduct thorough pre-operation and post-operation inspections of equipment each day to identify and report any mechanical or safety issues.

• Perform basic equipment safety checks and preventive maintenance tasks as required to keep machinery in proper working condition.

• Follow all OSHA regulations, site-specific rules, and jobsite safety guidelines at all times.

• Work safely around underground utilities, existing structures, and active construction zones, maintaining awareness of surroundings and hazards.

• Coordinate closely with ground crews and supervisors using clear communication to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

• Assist the labor crew with general labor tasks when equipment operation is not required.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around equipment and work zones.

• Adapt to changing jobsite conditions, schedules, and priorities while maintaining productivity and safety.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction or civil site environments.

• Proven ability to safely and efficiently operate excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, and related heavy equipment in active work zones.

• Experience performing trenching, grading, excavation, earthworks, and trench digging on civil construction sites.

• Ability to read and interpret site plans, blueprints, grade stakes, and layout information.

• Working knowledge of equipment safety checks and basic preventive maintenance procedures.

• Strong communication skills to coordinate with ground crews, signal persons, and supervisors.

• Consistent dependability and punctuality, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork.

• Physical ability to perform a demanding role, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working on uneven terrain.

• Comfort working around underground utilities and in active construction environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment such as skid steers, front-end loaders, and reach trucks in addition to core machines.

• Background in civil construction, civil site work, or earthworks projects.

• Familiarity with general labor tasks on construction sites, including site cleanup and basic hand tool use.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to different jobsite conditions and equipment types.

• Strong attention to detail when following grades, elevations, and layout instructions.

Why Work Here?

You join a team that prioritizes safety, collaboration, and professional workmanship on every project. The environment supports reliable, long-term work on diverse civil construction and earthwork projects, giving you the opportunity to refine your equipment skills and take on new challenges in the field. You work alongside experienced professionals who value clear communication, mutual respect, and a team-first mindset.

Work Environment

This position is based on outdoor construction job sites where you work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, dust, and noise. The role is physically demanding and involves standing, walking, climbing in and out of equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. You operate heavy machinery in active construction zones and around underground utilities, following strict safety procedures. The culture is team-oriented and safety-first, with a strong emphasis on communication and cooperation among equipment operators, labor crews, and supervisors. Typical attire includes appropriate workwear suitable for outdoor construction, such as durable clothing, safety boots, and required personal protective equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Brownsville, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/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 Brownsville,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.