Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

**TRAVELING POSITION - MUST BE OPEN TO WORKING/TRAVELING TO ANY STATE**

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator (Mid-Level)

Job Description

Join a civil construction team as a mid-level Heavy Equipment Operator responsible for operating an excavator and a range of mid-level heavy equipment on large commercial earthmoving and mass grading projects. You will work primarily on standard earth terrain and open farmland, moving substantial volumes of material while maintaining high standards of safety, precision, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Operate mid-level heavy equipment, including scraper, roller, loader, utility tractor, skid steer, water truck, dozer, excavator, blade, and motor grader, to move dirt and other materials on large commercial projects.
• Perform large-scale earthmoving and mass grading tasks on sites ranging from approximately 200,000 to 20 million yards of dirt.
• Operate an excavator and other equipment on standard earth terrain and open farmland for civil construction and commercial earthwork projects.
• Read and interpret blueprints to perform accurate grading and ensure work aligns with project specifications.
• Use GPS-enabled equipment, such as Trimble or Topcon systems, to assist with finish grading and precise earthmoving when required.
• Maintain constant communication with supervisors and co-workers to coordinate activities and ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Stay aware of surroundings at all times in a busy construction environment and strictly avoid distracted operating.
• Follow all OSHA safety protocols and site-specific safety procedures while operating heavy equipment.
• Inspect equipment before and after use, report issues promptly, and support basic upkeep to keep machines in safe working condition.
• Adhere to professional appearance and behavior expectations in accordance with the site code of conduct.

Essential Skills

• At least 3+ years of recent experience operating mid-level heavy equipment such as scraper, roller, loader, utility tractor, skid steer, water truck, and dozer.
• Proven ability to operate equipment on mass grading sites for commercial projects handling anywhere from approximately 200,000 to 20 million yards of dirt.
• Demonstrated skill in reading and interpreting blueprints to perform accurate grading and earthwork.
• Experience working on civil construction and commercial construction projects involving grading, earthwork, and earthmoving.
• Ability to maintain strong situational awareness and communicate clearly in a busy construction environment.
• Commitment to following OSHA safety standards and site safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license preferred but not required for employment.
• Ability to be insured to operate company vehicles is advantageous and can expand opportunities to travel to other job sites.
• Experience with Trimble and Topcon GPS systems for GPS dozers or other GPS-enabled equipment is beneficial.
• Experience operating finish dozers, GPS dozers, CAT dozers, and performing finish grade work is a plus.
• Familiarity with a variety of heavy equipment including D8, D9, D10, D6, D5, D4, D3 dozers, blades, motor graders, rollers, scrapers, loaders, utility tractors, excavators, water trucks, and skid steers.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and/or bilingual communication skills, supporting clear and safe operations on site.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers competitive compensation with a weekly per diem and consistent access to substantial overtime, typically 15–20+ hours per week, allowing you to significantly increase your earnings. You gain the chance to travel to different parts of the country and work on diverse large-scale projects, broadening your experience and skills in civil construction and earthmoving. The role provides exposure to advanced GPS technologies and a wide range of heavy equipment, supporting your long-term career growth in heavy equipment operation.

Work Environment

You will work on a civil construction site located on open farmland, subject to the full range of Indiana weather conditions. Summers are hot and humid with a high likelihood of pop-up thunderstorms, while winters can bring cold rain, freezing rain, snow, wind, and extreme cold temperatures. The site follows a high degree of safety protocols in line with OSHA standards, with significant equipment and vehicle activity requiring strong communication and constant awareness of surroundings. Distracted operating is not tolerated, and maintaining focus is essential for success. You are expected to present a professional appearance and demonstrate professional behavior at all times in accordance with the site code of conduct, which will be explained during onboarding. The environment involves working with a variety of heavy equipment and GPS technologies in a fast-paced, safety-focused construction setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rayville, LA.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Rayville,LA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.