Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently operates heavy machinery to support earthmoving, remediation, and site development projects, with a strong focus on river and stream restoration. This role requires strict adherence to safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures while delivering high-quality workmanship in challenging environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment for earthmoving and site operations, with primary use of large hydraulic excavators such as Komatsu PC490 and PC360.

• Perform excavation, grading, and shaping activities in river and stream restoration projects to meet project specifications.

• Load, transport, and unload soil, debris, sand, gravel, and waste materials to designated locations in accordance with project plans.

• Conduct work and operate equipment safely in wet environments, including water, mud, uneven terrain, and varying environmental conditions.

• Support dust control, dirt compaction, dewatering, sediment stabilization, and dredging operations as project needs require.

• Coordinate tasks using handheld radios and maintain clear, consistent communication with supervisors and team members.

• Read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications to complete work accurately.

• Maintain accurate daily logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation in accordance with company standards.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on assigned equipment.

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.

• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet project schedules and deadlines.

• Travel to various job sites, including out-of-state locations, to support operational objectives.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall project and operational goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of heavy equipment operation experience in construction, earthmoving, or related environments.

• Proven ability to operate large hydraulic excavators and other heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, backhoes, dozers, and similar machinery.

• Strong finish grade and fine grade experience to achieve precise project tolerances.

• Valid HAZWOPER certification.

• Familiarity with Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.

• Familiarity with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

• Strong working knowledge of heavy equipment operation and job site safety protocols.

• Ability to operate equipment safely in challenging terrain, wet environments, and changing weather conditions.

• Clean driving record acceptable to the company’s insurance carrier.

• Ability to lift up to 100 lbs as required by job tasks.

• Ability to read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications.

• Ability to communicate effectively using handheld radios and work collaboratively with supervisors and team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CDL license.

• Experience with remedial and environmental cleanup projects.

• Experience with hydraulic and mechanical dredging operations.

• Experience with dewatering and sediment stabilization activities.

• GPS experience, particularly with TopCon systems.

• Experience in construction labor, including earthmoving, site development, and related field work.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that invests in your growth through structured annual reviews and performance-based recognition. You can build long-term financial security with a 401(k) plan that includes a competitive company match of up to 4%. Exceptional contributions are acknowledged through spot bonuses ranging from modest recognition to more substantial awards, reflecting the value placed on individual effort and high performance. You will gain diverse project experience, particularly in meaningful environmental and revitalization work, while developing advanced skills with heavy equipment in specialized field conditions.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily on environmental and remediation sites, including large-scale projects such as river and stream revitalization initiatives. Work conditions vary daily and may include hot, cold, rainy, muddy, and otherwise challenging field environments. You will frequently operate in wet conditions, uneven terrain, and active construction zones. The main initial focus is a major river revitalization project, followed by up to approximately 75% travel, sometimes to out-of-state locations, depending on project needs. Work hours can include evenings and weekends to support project timelines. The position involves regular use of heavy construction equipment, handheld radios for communication, and GPS systems such as TopCon for grading and layout, with an expectation of field-appropriate attire suitable for outdoor, muddy, and variable weather conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.