Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy construction equipment to excavate, backfill, and grade land in preparation for civil and erosion control projects across the country. This role involves working in remote locations, supporting pipeline and oil and gas projects, and ensuring strict adherence to engineering designs and safety standards while collaborating with on-site teams and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as skid steers, loaders, motor graders, track hoes, excavators, CAT 330, and Volvo equipment to excavate, backfill, and grade land for civil and erosion control projects.

• Interpret and follow engineering designs and blueprints accurately to complete construction and pipeline-related work according to specifications.

• Lead and guide small crews in remote locations across the country, providing direction and support to ensure safe and efficient operations.

• Work safely around active lines and in active pipeline and oil and gas environments, following all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Perform earthwork and dirt work activities, including site preparation, grading, and backfilling, ensuring quality and accuracy.

• Exit equipment as needed to perform ground work, including assisting laborers, checking grades, inspecting work, and supporting overall site activities.

• Maintain inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies, and ensure equipment is properly utilized, stored, and accounted for.

• Communicate effectively with other subcontractors and vendors on site to coordinate tasks, schedules, and project requirements.

• Support quality standards and project management expectations by completing work on time, within scope, and in alignment with project plans.

• Adhere to all company, client, and regulatory safety policies, including DOT requirements, and report any hazards or incidents promptly.

• Travel extensively to project sites nationwide and remain on assignment for extended periods as required by project needs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of dirt and earthwork experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments.

• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment such as skid steers, loaders, motor graders, track hoes, excavators, CAT 330, and Volvo equipment.

• Proficiency in reading, understanding, and adhering to engineering designs and blueprints.

• Ability to lead and coordinate crews in remote areas across the country.

• Experience working around active lines and in active pipeline or oil and gas environments is strongly preferred.

• Strong communication skills to work effectively with subcontractors, vendors, and on-site teams.

• Ability and willingness to get out of the equipment and perform ground work as needed.

• Ability to travel extensively and remain on projects for months at a time.

• Ability to pass DOT requirements and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.

• Extensive experience working in oil and gas environments, including 15+ years of experience in the oil and gas sector.

• 10+ years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role overseeing construction or pipeline-related operations.

• 10+ years of experience in an engineering or design construction capacity for pipeline projects is preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the pipeline, oil and gas, or petroleum industry.

• Experience or familiarity with quality and project management practices.

• Exposure to or certification with NCCER is a plus.

• Exposure to or qualification with Veriforce is a plus.

• Strong organizational skills to maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.

• Ability to adapt to changing site conditions and work demands in remote and varied locations.

• Comfort working long hours, including 60+ hour weeks when required by project demands.

• Interest in gaining additional oil and gas certifications and training.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a small team environment that includes superintendents, foremen, and laborers.

Why Work Here?

You will join a field-focused organization that offers extensive training opportunities and the chance to build advanced expertise in oil and gas construction and pipeline work. The role provides consistent access to high-volume work, with the opportunity to work 60+ hours per week and earn a daily per diem while on assignment. You will have the ability to gain various industry-recognized oil and gas certifications, enhancing your long-term career prospects. The culture emphasizes hands-on learning, strong teamwork, and supporting employees as they take on complex, large-scale projects across the country.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a 4–5 person field team that typically includes a superintendent or operator, a foreman, and laborers. Projects take place across the country, from California to New York and many locations in between, often in remote areas. The environment is highly field-based and travel-intensive, with assignments that may last for months at a time. You will operate a range of heavy equipment, including skid steers, loaders, motor graders, track hoes, excavators, CAT 330 machines, and Volvo equipment, often on active pipeline and oil and gas sites. The schedule frequently involves working 60 or more hours per week, with a daily per diem provided while on the road. Work is outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions, requiring physical stamina and a strong commitment to safety. Dress typically consists of practical field attire and appropriate personal protective equipment suitable for construction and pipeline job sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Overland Park, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Overland Park,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.