Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator safely operates a variety of heavy construction and earth‑moving equipment to support excavation, grading, trenching, material handling, and site preparation activities, including work on hazardous waste sites. This role requires a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and effective teamwork in demanding outdoor and industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, skid steers, and dump trucks safely and efficiently on construction, industrial, and environmental projects.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, material handling, and site preparation activities according to project plans and specifications.
• Work on projects involving hazardous materials while complying with OSHA, EPA, and site‑specific safety plans and procedures.
• Conduct pre‑operation inspections and routine maintenance checks on heavy equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Identify and promptly report mechanical issues, safety hazards, or environmental concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Follow all HAZWOPER protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, and exposure controls.
• Assist with site cleanup, environmental remediation, and waste handling activities as required by the project scope.
• Read and interpret site plans, safety documents, and equipment manuals to perform work accurately and safely.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, spotters, and crew members to coordinate equipment movements and job tasks.
• Maintain accurate records related to equipment operation, inspections, and safety compliance in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Essential Skills

• Valid 40‑Hour HAZWOPER certification that is current and in good standing.
• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, skid steers, and dump trucks in construction, industrial, or environmental settings.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards and hazardous waste site operations.
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding conditions, including lifting, climbing, and prolonged equipment operation.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments.
• Strong attention to safety, detail, and situational awareness in dynamic job site conditions.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, including safety procedures and site‑specific requirements.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, spotters, and crew members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on hazardous waste or environmental remediation projects.
• Familiarity with EPA regulations and site‑specific safety plans.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, safety documents, and equipment manuals with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated reliability and willingness to support overtime, weekend work, or travel as project needs require.

Why Work Here?

You will join a safety‑focused organization that values professionalism, teamwork, and regulatory compliance on every project. The role offers the opportunity to work on diverse and technically interesting sites, including environmental and remediation projects, providing continuous learning and skill development. You will work with modern heavy equipment, follow structured safety programs, and contribute directly to projects that improve and restore job sites and surrounding communities. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and support for employees who take initiative and maintain high safety standards.

Work Environment

This position is based on outdoor and industrial job sites, including hazardous waste locations and active construction or remediation areas. You will work around heavy machinery, moving equipment, and environmental hazards, following strict safety and HAZWOPER protocols at all times. The role involves physically demanding tasks and exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, and precipitation. Project schedules may require overtime, weekend work, or travel, depending on project needs. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required, and you will follow site‑specific safety plans, decontamination procedures, and exposure controls throughout each assignment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Monterey Park, CA.

The pay range for this position is $58000.00 - $66000.00/yr.

Benefits to be discussed with client post offer

This is a fully onsite position in Monterey Park,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 6, 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.