Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description

This role involves safely operating heavy equipment, including articulated dump trucks and excavators, to transport waste and sludge from a paper mill to a landfill. You will load trucks, haul materials using off-road articulated dump trucks, and support day-to-day waste handling operations. This is a 100% off-site driving role that does not require a CDL.

• Operate heavy equipment such as articulated dump trucks, excavators, haul trucks, water trucks, and dump trucks to support waste handling operations.
• Transport waste and sludge from the paper mill to the landfill using off-road articulated dump trucks.
• Safely load trucks with an excavator, ensuring proper placement and weight distribution of materials.
• Discard sludge and waste in accordance with site procedures and environmental guidelines.
• Follow all safety protocols and operational procedures while working in and around heavy machinery.
• Inspect equipment before use and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around loading and disposal sites.
• Work independently as a self-starter, managing daily tasks with minimal supervision.
• Support day shift operations and adapt to potential weekend work as needed to meet operational demands.

• Proven heavy equipment operating experience.
• Hands-on experience operating articulated dump trucks.
• Experience operating haul trucks and water trucks.
• Ability to safely operate dump trucks and related heavy equipment.
• Strong awareness of safety practices in a heavy industrial environment.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and reliably.

• Experience working in an industrial or mill environment handling waste or similar materials.
• Comfort operating off-road articulated dump trucks in varying site conditions.
• Ability to follow detailed operational procedures and safety guidelines.
• Strong attendance record and dependable work habits.
• Positive attitude and willingness to take initiative in daily tasks.

You join a reputable national organization that values reliability, safety, and strong performance. The role offers the opportunity to transition from contract to permanent employment based on your performance, attitude, and attendance, providing long-term stability and career growth. You work in a setting where your skills with heavy equipment are appreciated and where consistent, high-quality work can open doors to future opportunities.

You work at a paper mill site focused on discarding sludge and waste and loading trucks for transport to a landfill. The role is performed on day shift, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the potential for some weekend work depending on operational needs. The environment is industrial and outdoors, involving regular exposure to heavy machinery, waste materials, and variable weather conditions. You operate off-road articulated dump trucks and other heavy equipment in a setting where adherence to safety standards and proper use of equipment are essential.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashland, VA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ashland,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.