Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role operates heavy equipment on civil construction and site development projects in the greater Charleston area. You will perform a mix of equipment operation and manual labor to support grading, excavation, and utility work while contributing to a tight-knit crew that values safety, reliability, and teamwork. All work remains local, allowing you to return home each night with minimal travel.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders, and other earthmoving machinery on civil site projects.

• Perform fine grading and general grading activities to meet project specifications and tolerances.

• Support underground utility and utility construction work, including trenching, backfilling, and related earthworks.

• Use GPS-guided equipment (such as Topcon or similar systems) when required to perform accurate grading and excavation.

• Read and interpret blueprints, site plans, and grade stakes to execute work correctly and safely.

• Assist with manual labor tasks as needed, including shoveling, trench work, loading and unloading supplies and equipment, and general labor duties.

• Work as part of a smaller crew, collaborating closely with superintendents, operators, and laborers to complete daily objectives.

• Maintain a strong focus on safety, following all site safety policies and procedures and promoting a safe work environment for the crew.

• Perform basic equipment inspections and report any mechanical issues or safety concerns promptly.

• Arrive on time, ready to work, and maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude on every job site.

• Be flexible to perform more manual labor than equipment operation when assigned as a B Operator or when project needs require.

• Work overtime and occasional weekends as needed to meet project schedules and weather-dependent demands.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment such as dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders, and other earthmoving machinery.

• Proficiency in heavy equipment operation for civil construction, earthworks, grading, and excavation.

• Experience working on civil site and civil construction projects, including earthworks and site development.

• Ability to perform fine grading or strong general grading skills; fine grading experience is highly preferred.

• Experience supporting underground utility or utility construction work.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.

• Familiarity with GPS-guided equipment and grading systems; GPS experience is preferred.

• Strong commitment to safety and adherence to safe work practices in all weather conditions.

• Reliability, punctuality, and a consistent, positive attitude toward working as part of a crew.

• Flexibility to work overtime and possible weekends based on project needs.

• Willingness to submit to a drug test as part of the hiring process.

• Physical ability to perform manual labor tasks, including shoveling, trench work, and material handling, in outdoor conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Topcon or similar GPS systems for grading and excavation.

• Experience in general labor on civil construction sites with progression into equipment operation.

• Demonstrated history of growth and advancement within previous roles, such as moving from laborer to operator or foreperson.

• Comfort working within smaller crews and team-focused environments.

• Experience coordinating work with multiple superintendents or crews on large or long-term projects.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a strong culture of internal growth, regularly promoting employees from general labor roles into equipment operation, leadership, and superintendent positions. Teams work in a supportive, family-style environment with smaller crews and a strong emphasis on collaboration and safety. The organization has a track record of stability, avoiding layoffs even during challenging market conditions, with projects scheduled many years into the future. Employees benefit from competitive benefits, including a 401(k) plan, health benefits, paid time off, and regular opportunities for overtime, all while working locally and returning home each night.

Work Environment

You will work outdoors on civil development and construction sites throughout the greater Charleston area. The role requires working in all weather conditions, including hot summers and wet, cold winters, while maintaining safe and efficient work practices. Crews are smaller and highly collaborative, with multiple superintendents supporting various projects and teaming up as jobs ramp up or slow down. Workweeks often include around 50 hours, weather permitting, with overtime opportunities. All projects are local to the Charleston market, so travel is minimal and you can expect to be home each night. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliable performance, with standard construction-site attire and appropriate personal protective equipment required.Experi

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bluffton, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $28.00/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 Bluffton,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.