Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role operates a variety of heavy equipment on construction utility trenching and excavating projects, ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient work. You will handle excavators of various sizes, skid steers, and front-end loaders with minimal supervision, maintain accurate logs, and follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements while working as part of a coordinated crew.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators of all sizes (specifically 85G and lower), skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders safely and efficiently.
• Perform construction utility trenching and excavating work in accordance with project plans and safety standards.
• Work comfortably and independently on equipment with minimal or no direction, demonstrating strong operating skills.
• Keep accurate and detailed logs of daily work, equipment use, and site activities as required.
• Make safe and sound decisions that protect your own safety and the safety of others on the job site.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly at all times and comply with all safety procedures.
• Follow directions from supervisors and crew leads and adapt to changing site conditions and priorities.
• Demonstrate responsibility, honesty, and punctuality in all aspects of the job, including start times and shift adherence.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors to coordinate work and address issues on site.
• Lift and carry materials and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more as needed for job tasks.
• Work from heights safely when required by the project.
• Travel with the crew from the office to the work site and back, participating in team transport procedures.
• Work flexible hours, including days, nights, and weekends, based on project needs.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, including excavators (all sizes, specifically 85G and lower), skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders.
• At least one year of experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators and compact track loaders.
• Plenty of hands-on experience and confidence operating heavy equipment independently without direction.
• Experience in construction utility trenching and excavating.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation to the office meeting location.
• Ability to take direction and work effectively as part of a crew.
• Strong sense of responsibility, honesty, and punctuality.
• Good communication skills for coordinating with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work days, nights, and weekends as required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to work safely from heights when needed.
• OSHA 10 certification (required).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to safety practices, including proper and consistent use of PPE.
• Ability to maintain accurate logs and documentation of work performed.
• Comfort working in a structured crew environment with shared transportation to and from the job site.
• Willingness to work a consistent early start schedule and extended shifts as needed.
• Capability to make sound, safety-focused decisions in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Interest in a contract-to-hire opportunity with potential for longer-term employment.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire over approximately six months, providing stability and the potential to grow with a well-organized crew. You receive paid drive time from the office to the job site and back, reflecting respect for your time and contribution. The culture emphasizes safety, reliability, and teamwork, giving you the chance to build your skills in a supportive environment that values communication, punctuality, and professional development.

Work Environment

You work in a field construction environment focused on utility trenching and excavating. The schedule runs Monday through Friday, typically extending into the late afternoon or early evening around 5–6 PM, with flexibility for days, nights, and weekends based on project demands. The crew meets at the Buda office at 4:45 AM and travels together to the work site, with drive time paid once you clock in at the office, both to and from the site. You operate heavy machinery such as excavators (including 85G and smaller), skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders, following strict safety procedures and wearing appropriate PPE at all times. The work involves outdoor conditions, physical labor including lifting 50 pounds or more, and occasionally working from heights, all within a team-oriented, safety-conscious setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Buda, TX.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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 Buda,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.