Fine Grade Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Fine Grade Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves operating heavy equipment on pipe and grade crews to support civil construction projects. You will perform excavation, trenching, rough and fine grading, and related site work using Caterpillar dozers, excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and dozers safely and efficiently on active construction sites.
• Excavate trenches with excavators for the installation of pipe, storm water lines, and related utilities.
• Perform rough and fine grading using loaders, excavators, and dozers to meet project specifications.
• Carry out civil site work including excavation, grading, clearing, backfilling, and remediation activities.
• Use heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and other HEO (heavy equipment operator) machinery to complete assigned tasks.
• Follow grade stakes, GPS, or other guidance systems to achieve accurate grades and slopes.
• Support pipe crews by preparing trenches and backfilling after pipe installation.
• Maintain awareness of site conditions and work closely with ground personnel to ensure safe operations.
• Inspect equipment daily and report any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and regulations on civil construction projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience operating heavy Caterpillar equipment, including dozers and excavators.
• Proven experience installing pipe, storm water lines, and similar underground utilities.
• Demonstrated rough grading experience on civil construction or commercial projects.
• History in commercial construction environments.
• Strong heavy equipment operation skills, including excavation, grading, and backfilling.
• Ability to operate excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Experience working on civil site and civil construction projects.
• Ability to perform both rough and fine grade work to specification.
• Familiarity with using GPS or similar systems for grading and layout.
• Knowledge of safe construction practices and equipment operation procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with remediation and site clearing activities.
• Ability to read and follow grade stakes or layout directions from supervisors or project leads.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with pipe crews, grade crews, and other site personnel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high safety standards.
• Reliability and flexibility to work extended hours when required by project schedules.
• Comfort working across multiple project locations within a regional area.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable construction organization that invests in its employees through comprehensive benefits and long-term financial support. The company offers a 401(k) plan with employee stock options, helping you build future financial security. Health insurance is supported with 50% of the premium paid by the employer, and additional coverage includes dental, vision, and life insurance. You can grow your skills on diverse civil and commercial projects while working with modern heavy equipment in a safety-focused environment.

Work Environment

This is a field-based role on active construction sites, working primarily on civil and commercial projects in the Williamsburg, Hampton, and Newport News area. Typical workweeks range from 40 to 60 hours, depending on weather and project demands. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. You will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain while operating heavy equipment such as Caterpillar dozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes, often using GPS or similar systems for grading. The environment is fast-paced, safety-focused, and highly collaborative, with close coordination between pipe crews, grade crews, and other construction personnel. Appropriate workwear and safety gear suitable for construction sites are required

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Toano,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.