Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment on commercial construction and site development projects. You will work as part of a grading crew, using bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, and front-end loaders to perform excavation, grading, and site preparation. You will also regularly assist with tasks outside the cab to support overall site operations and ensure projects meet quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front-end loaders, and other heavy equipment to move earth, debris, and construction materials.

• Perform excavation and grading activities, including digging, leveling, rough grading, and fine grading in accordance with project specifications and site plans.

• Prepare construction sites by clearing land, removing obstacles, and establishing proper groundwork to support commercial construction and site development.

• Handle materials such as dirt, gravel, rock, and other aggregates by loading, transporting, and distributing them safely and efficiently.

• Assist with site development tasks, including operating vibratory rollers and related equipment as needed to compact soil and materials.

• Conduct daily equipment inspections to identify and address potential issues, ensuring machinery remains in safe working condition.

• Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on equipment, including cleaning, lubrication, and basic adjustments, and report larger mechanical issues promptly.

• Work outside the cab as needed to support the crew with ground tasks, spotting, and general labor to keep projects moving efficiently.

• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safety-first mindset while operating equipment and working on active construction sites.

• Collaborate with supervisors and crew members to understand project requirements, adjust work based on site conditions, and complete tasks on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of heavy equipment operation experience.

• 2–3+ years of experience operating excavators, bulldozers (dozers), and front-end loaders.

• Proficiency in grading, including both rough grade and fine grading work.

• Hands-on experience operating heavy equipment used in commercial construction and site development.

• Ability to operate excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, and vibratory rollers safely and effectively.

• Comfort working outside the cab when required to assist with ground operations and general site tasks.

• Strong understanding of safe heavy equipment operation practices and a safety-first mindset.

• Ability to read and follow project directions related to excavation, grading, and site preparation.

• Reliability and flexibility to support multiple job sites and varying work demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Recent civil/commercial construction and site development projects.

• Experience performing daily inspections and basic maintenance on heavy equipment.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a grading crew and communicate clearly with team members.

• Strong attention to detail when performing fine grading and site preparation.

• Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing site environments.

Why Work Here?

This employer offers a stable and long-standing work environment with a strong focus on employee retention and safety. The culture is family-oriented, emphasizing support, respect, and a safety-first mindset. Employees receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) with a 10% match and full vesting after five years. You begin accruing vacation time from your first day as a permanent employee and enjoy seven paid holidays. The organization values long-term careers and provides a supportive environment where you can grow and feel appreciated.

Work Environment

You will typically work 40–50 hours per week, with core hours scheduled Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on weather conditions. Some weekend work may be required based on project needs. The role is field-based across multiple active construction sites, with approximately 15 job sites located throughout the Richmond metro area, and the furthest site about 45 minutes from Chester, VA. You will need to be flexible and willing to travel between sites as assigned. Work takes place outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions, involving regular operation of heavy machinery and periodic work outside the cab to support the crew and site operations.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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 Virginia Beach,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 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.