Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Description
This role involves operating a variety of heavy construction equipment on environmental and construction projects while working safely in demanding field conditions. You will support a rapidly growing construction and environmental organization by performing excavation, grading, demolition, and related activities across a range of project types.
Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid-steers, and backhoes in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform excavation, grading, demolition, dredging, utility work, landfill cap and closure activities, and other environmental remediation tasks as assigned.
• Use front end loaders and other heavy machinery to move earth, materials, and debris according to project plans and site requirements.
• Work aloft and at heights, including climbing ladders, staging, scaffolding, and other aerial equipment as needed.
• Perform tasks that require working above shoulder height and in tight or confined quarters while maintaining safe work practices.
• Stand and work for long hours in a variety of outdoor conditions, including snow, rain, cold, heat, and other weather-related environments.
• Read and interpret plans and construction drawings to ensure accurate execution of site work and equipment operation.
• Follow all safety procedures and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards and site-specific safety protocols.
• Support environmental labor tasks as needed, including general labor activities related to remediation and construction.
• Utilize GPS machine control systems when available to improve accuracy and efficiency of grading and excavation work.
• Inspect equipment before and after use, report issues, and assist in maintaining equipment in good working condition.
• Travel to project sites within New England as required and arrive on time with reliable transportation.
• Collaborate with site supervisors and team members to complete projects on schedule and to quality standards.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of construction experience operating heavy equipment.
• Proficiency operating an excavator, bulldozer, loader, skid-steer, and backhoe.
• Experience with heavy equipment operation in construction or environmental projects.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and construction drawings.
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts hoisting license with 1C/2A designation.
• OSHA 10 Hour certification.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work aloft and climb ladders, staging, scaffolding, and other aerial equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing for long hours and working in various weather conditions.
• Capability to work safely in tight quarters and above shoulder height.
• Strong awareness of safety practices on construction and environmental sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience utilizing GPS machine control systems.
• 40 Hour HAZWOPER training.
• Ability to travel within New England for project assignments.
• Experience in environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, or landfill cap and closure projects.
• General labor and environmental labor experience on construction sites.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with field crews and supervisors.

Why Work Here?
You will join a rapidly expanding construction and environmental organization with a strong pipeline of work planned through at least 2027, providing long-term stability and consistent opportunities. The culture emphasizes team cohesion, regular outings, and a supportive environment that values collaboration and professional growth. You will have clear opportunities to advance into higher-level roles as you develop your skills and experience, and you will gain exposure to diverse, large-scale projects that enhance your career development.
Work Environment
This position is based on an active construction and environmental worksite with long-term projects, including environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, and landfill cap and closure activities. You will work primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions such as snow, rain, cold, and heat, and you will spend long periods on your feet. The role requires working at heights using ladders, staging, scaffolding, and other aerial equipment, as well as performing tasks in tight or confined spaces and above shoulder height. You will operate heavy machinery and related construction equipment throughout your shift, following site safety protocols and using appropriate personal protective equipment. Travel within New England may be required depending on project needs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cumberland, RI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cumberland,RI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.