Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: General Laborer - Grader Operator (Steel Mill)
Job Description
This position focuses on safely operating a grader and other heavy equipment to level and maintain landfill areas used for steel byproducts at a steel mill in Decatur, AL. You will work primarily outdoors in a hot, dusty, and active manufacturing environment, supporting daily operations by keeping the landfill area safe, accessible, and compliant with site standards.
Responsibilities

• Operate grader equipment to level, shape, and maintain landfill areas used for steel byproducts.
• Drive and maneuver heavy equipment, including graders and related machinery, safely across uneven terrain within the facility.
• Perform routine inspections of the grader and other assigned equipment to identify issues and ensure safe operation.
• Carry out basic preventive maintenance tasks on equipment, such as checking fluid levels and reporting mechanical concerns promptly.
• Coordinate closely with site supervisors and team members to ensure grading work meets operational and safety standards.
• Follow all site-specific safety protocols and procedures, including lockout/tagout and traffic rules for heavy equipment.
• Wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times while on site.
• Assist with general labor tasks as needed, including earthworks, excavation support, and concrete-related work in the landfill area.
• Support material movement using haul trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment when required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring tools and equipment are stored safely.
• Communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors about site conditions, hazards, and equipment status.
• Work a consistent schedule of 40-50 hours per week, starting at 6:30 AM, and adjust to workload demands as needed.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience operating a grader or similar heavy equipment in construction, earthworks, or industrial environments.
• Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, including safe maneuvering on uneven and active work sites.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in hot, dusty, and physically demanding outdoor conditions.
• Strong attention to safety, including consistent use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
• Reliable transportation to and from the Decatur, AL site.
• Capability to work 40-50 hours per week with a 6:30 AM start time.
• Solid attention to detail when grading and maintaining landfill areas.
• Dependable work ethic and ability to follow directions from supervisors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators, dozers, track hoes, skid steers, and other heavy equipment.
• Background in earthworks, excavation, or construction environments.
• Familiarity with operating haul trucks and dump trucks in an industrial setting.
• Experience with concrete work and general labor tasks on active job sites.
• Comfort working around steel mill operations and heavy industrial equipment.
• Ability to perform basic equipment troubleshooting and communicate maintenance needs.

Why Work Here?
You will join a team that values safety, reliability, and strong communication in a fast-paced industrial setting. The role offers steady, full-time hours with opportunities to build and expand your heavy equipment experience in a large-scale steel mill environment. You will work with modern equipment, gain exposure to a variety of earthwork and construction-related tasks, and contribute directly to the safe and efficient operation of the facility.
Work Environment
The role is based at a steel mill in Decatur, AL, working primarily outdoors in a hot, dusty, and physically demanding environment. The work site is an active industrial facility with heavy equipment, steel byproducts, and ongoing manufacturing activity. Typical hours are 40-50 per week, starting at 6:30 AM, with the potential for extended hours depending on operational needs. You will regularly operate graders and may also work with excavators, dozers, track hoes, skid steers, haul trucks, and dump trucks. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times, and you will follow strict safety protocols and site procedures while working around heavy machinery and active production areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $21.50/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 Decatur,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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.