Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves operating heavy equipment, including bulldozers and excavators, to support land clearing, site preparation, and grading activities on a large data center construction project. You will contribute to heavy civil construction and earthworks operations while working safely and efficiently in an outdoor environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators to perform land clearing, site preparation, and grading activities.

• Use GPS-enabled bulldozers to complete precise grading and earthwork tasks, following project plans and specifications.

• Support heavy civil construction and data center site development by performing excavation, backfilling, and other earthworks.

• Move between different pieces of equipment as needed and operate multiple types of heavy machinery safely and effectively.

• Assist with general site work by stepping off equipment when required to help with ground tasks, site organization, and project support.

• Follow instructions from site leadership and work in coordination with other equipment operators and construction crews.

• Conduct basic daily inspections and pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Work safely at all times by following site safety procedures, traffic control rules, and equipment operating guidelines.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and contribute to efficient site logistics on a large campus environment.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment, including bulldozers and excavators, on construction sites.

• Hands-on experience with land clearing, site preparation, and grading in a heavy civil construction environment.

• Ability to operate GPS-equipped bulldozers for grading and earthworks (GPS experience preferred).

• Familiarity with civil site and civil construction practices, including earthworks and site development.

• Comfort working outdoors for extended periods in a large campus setting and in varying weather conditions.

• Willingness and ability to step off equipment to assist with ground tasks and general site duties.

• Strong awareness of safety practices related to heavy equipment operation and construction sites.

• Capability to handle multiple pieces of equipment and adapt to different machines as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting data center construction projects or similar large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Experience in heavy civil construction, including earthworks, grading, and site development.

• Exposure to construction environments involving large campuses and complex site logistics.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work collaboratively with other operators and construction teams.

Why Work Here?

You will join a reputable organization with a strong pipeline of work in a growing market, including a new location in the Richmond area. The role offers the potential for long-term employment and career growth as the workload continues to expand. When you transition to a permanent role, you gain access to benefits that support your long-term stability and well-being.

Work Environment

This position is based at a large data center construction site on a massive campus. You will work primarily outdoors and must be comfortable operating in varying weather conditions and on active construction grounds. The environment involves heavy civil construction, earthworks, and site development activities, with frequent use of bulldozers, excavators, GPS-enabled equipment, and other heavy machinery. Work will take place on an active jobsite with coordinated operations among multiple crews and equipment, requiring consistent adherence to safety procedures and site rules.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $29.00/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 Hampton,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.