Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment to support underground utility projects, site preparation, and grading work across multiple job sites. You will safely handle machinery such as excavators, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, and loaders, while also stepping out of the cab to assist with general labor tasks when needed. The position offers opportunities to expand your skills through cross-training in areas such as commercial plumbing and other mechanical trades.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, loaders, and dozers, to support underground utility and civil site projects.

• Perform rough grading to establish proper elevations, slopes, and site preparation in accordance with project specifications and plans.

• Safely work around existing underground utilities by using proper locating methods and hand-digging techniques when required.

• Assist with underground piping and utility installation, including pipe laying, trenching, and backfilling as needed.

• Support general labor tasks such as grading, site cleanup, material handling, and other field work when not operating equipment.

• Follow project instructions, plans, and directions from supervisors to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.

• Conduct basic pre-operation inspections of equipment and report any issues or maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area on job sites and at the shop.

• Adhere to all safety procedures, company policies, and regulatory requirements while on job sites and during travel.

• Participate in training and cross-training opportunities, including exposure to commercial plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work, to expand your skillset.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, loaders, and dozers.

• Hands-on experience with heavy equipment operation in construction, civil site work, or underground utilities.

• Ability to perform rough grading and establish proper elevations and slopes according to project specifications.

• Knowledge of working around underground utilities, including safe locating practices and hand-digging techniques.

• Experience with underground utilities and underground piping installation.

• Ability and willingness to perform manual labor tasks, including pipe laying, grading, and site cleanup, when not operating equipment.

• Skid steer operator experience on construction or civil site projects.

• Valid Class A CDL or Class B CDL, or the ability to obtain one, to support travel and equipment transport needs.

• Strong safety awareness and commitment to following safe work practices on all job sites.

• Coachability, eagerness to learn, and openness to receiving feedback and training.

• Ability to work on multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities and job site locations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing experience is a plus and supports cross-training opportunities within other departments.

• Experience using GPS or machine control systems on heavy equipment is beneficial.

• Prior experience in commercial plumbing or related trades is an advantage.

• Ability to provide a complete submittal package and professional supervisor references when requested.

• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with field crews and supervisors.

• Reliable transportation to the shop for daily departures to job sites within a 60-mile radius.

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that actively invests in your professional development and fosters a strong sense of team culture. Employees benefit from sponsored conferences and training trips that combine learning with team dinners and relationship building. The organization celebrates its people with a large annual holiday party, gifts for employees’ children, and exciting raffle prizes such as paid vacations and premium gear. You can expect competitive compensation with many bonus opportunities for top performance, along with a full benefits package and six paid holidays each year, creating a supportive environment where hard work and growth are recognized and rewarded.

Work Environment

You will work on multiple projects within approximately a 60-mile radius of Kodak, TN, with current job sites in areas such as Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Crews meet at the shop and ride together to various job sites, supporting a team-oriented and coordinated start to each day. The typical shift schedule runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though flexibility may be needed based on project demands. The role requires regularly getting out of the machine to assist with labor tasks, so you should be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and on active construction sites. The environment is hands-on, field-based, and equipment-focused, with a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and willingness to help wherever needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Kodak, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $58240.00/yr.

From company website:

Weekly pay via direct deposit Access to medical insurance Six paid holidays each year Paid vacation time 401(k) retirement plans Optional AFLAC coverage Ongoing training and education to help you advance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kodak,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.