Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves operating a variety of heavy construction equipment on environmental and construction projects across New England. You will work aloft and at ground level in challenging field conditions, performing excavation, demolition, remediation, and related tasks while adhering to strict safety and quality standards. This role will involve environmental remediation work and we would prefer someone with experience in that type of work. Starting pay scale will be between $30 - $40 an hour.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid-steers, and backhoes safely and efficiently on active construction and environmental sites.

• Perform excavation, grading, demolition, dredging, utility work, landfill cap and closure activities, and other site development tasks as assigned.

• Work aloft on ladders, staging, scaffolding, and other aerial equipment, including performing tasks above shoulder height and in tight or confined areas.

• Read and interpret plans, construction drawings, and layout information to complete work accurately and in accordance with project specifications.

• Use GPS machine control systems, when available, to guide equipment operations and ensure precise cuts, fills, and grades.

• Support environmental remediation activities, including handling soils and materials in accordance with environmental and safety procedures.

• Perform general labor tasks as needed to support project progress, including site preparation, cleanup, and material handling.

• Inspect equipment daily, report defects or maintenance needs, and follow safe operating procedures and company safety policies.

• Work long hours on your feet in a variety of weather conditions, including snow, rain, cold, and heat, while maintaining productivity and safety.

• Travel to multiple project sites, primarily within Rhode Island and New England, and adapt to changing job locations and project requirements.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of construction experience operating heavy equipment.

• Proficiency operating an excavator, bulldozer, loader, skid-steer, and backhoe.

• Experience in heavy equipment operation within construction or environmental projects.

• Ability to read and interpret plans and construction drawings.

• Possession of a valid Rhode Island hoisting license for work on Rhode Island projects.

• Possession of a valid Massachusetts hoisting license with 1C/2A designation for work on Massachusetts projects.

• OSHA 10-hour safety certification.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Ability to work aloft, including climbing ladders, staging, scaffolding, and using other aerial equipment.

• Ability to work long hours on your feet and perform tasks above your head and in tight quarters.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience utilizing GPS machine control systems.

• 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

• Experience in environmental labor, including remediation and related field activities.

• Ability to travel within New England to support projects at multiple locations.

• Strong awareness of field safety practices and environmental compliance requirements.

Why Work Here?

You will join a rapidly expanding construction and environmental organization with a strong pipeline of work planned through at least 2027, providing long-term project stability and opportunities for career growth. The culture emphasizes team cohesion and camaraderie, including regular outings and consistent team-building activities, helping you build strong relationships with colleagues. You will have clear opportunities to advance into higher-level positions as you develop your skills and take on additional responsibilities, all within a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment

You will work primarily on field-based construction and environmental projects, including environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, and landfill cap and closure activities. The role is highly hands-on and requires frequent operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid-steers, and backhoes. You will often work outdoors in varying and sometimes harsh weather conditions, including snow, rain, cold, and heat, and you should expect long hours on your feet in active construction zones. The position involves climbing ladders, working on staging and scaffolding, operating in elevated positions, and performing tasks in tight or confined areas. Projects are located at multiple sites, particularly in Rhode Island and across New England, so you will experience a dynamic work setting with changing locations and site conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.