Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description

This role focuses on operating excavators (track hoes) and dozers on large-scale ash basin closure projects, supporting high-production earthmoving, excavation, grading, and material handling activities. You will work on complex environmental remediation and heavy civil construction sites, safely managing coal ash, soil, rock, and other materials while meeting strict safety, quality, and production standards. The position requires versatility to transition between excavators and dozers as project needs change and to contribute to the successful closure and restoration of ash basins and related sites.

• Operate excavators (track hoes) and dozers to excavate, grade, move, and manage coal ash, soil, rock, and other materials safely and efficiently.
• Load off-road haul trucks with coal ash and other materials for transport and disposal throughout the project site.
• Perform both rough and fine grading to support ash basin closure, environmental remediation, and site restoration activities.
• Build and maintain haul roads, drainage features, slopes, and work areas using excavators and dozers.
• Work closely with haul truck operators, roller operators, and site supervision to maintain production targets and efficient material movement.
• Read and interpret grade stakes and site plans to ensure work meets project specifications and required tolerances.
• Conduct high-volume excavation, loading, grading, and earthmoving in a fast-paced, production-driven construction environment.
• Utilize GPS grade control systems, when available, to achieve required grades and elevations with precision.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, complete basic preventative maintenance tasks, and promptly report maintenance concerns to site supervision.
• Maintain situational awareness of nearby equipment, personnel, and active haul routes to operate safely in congested work areas.
• Adhere to all site safety, environmental, and operational requirements while working to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Support ash basin closure operations by coordinating with the project team to adjust activities based on changing site conditions and priorities.

• Proven experience operating excavators (track hoes) and dozers in heavy production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely around active haul routes and multiple pieces of heavy equipment.
• Hands-on experience with high-production excavation, loading, grading, and mass earthmoving operations.
• Proficiency in truck loading, including safe and efficient loading of off-road haul trucks.
• Experience performing rough and fine grading, including slope work and precision earthwork.
• Background in ash pond closures, environmental remediation projects, landfills, mining operations, dredging projects, heavy civil construction, or other large-scale earthmoving projects.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow site plans to complete work to specification.
• Familiarity with grade control and precision excavation techniques, including use of GPS systems when applicable.
• Strong understanding of safe operation around heavy equipment and in production-driven work environments.
• Experience conducting equipment inspections and supporting preventative maintenance.
• Ability to operate in wet or unstable ground conditions while maintaining safety and productivity.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, high-volume dirt moving and construction settings.

• Experience with ash basin closure or coal ash handling and material movement.
• Background in landfill, mining, or dredging operations.
• Exposure to heavy civil construction and large-scale earthworks projects.
• Experience operating track hoes, long-reach excavators, and performing fine grading.
• Familiarity with environmental remediation practices and compliance expectations.
• Ability to adapt to changing site conditions and transition between different types of heavy equipment as needed.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with supervisors and other equipment operators.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.

You will have the opportunity to work substantial overtime, with typical weeks ranging from approximately 60 to 70 hours, allowing you to significantly increase your earnings. The projects offer strong long-term potential, providing stability and consistent work on ongoing ash basin closure and environmental remediation efforts. You will contribute to critical infrastructure and environmental compliance initiatives, supporting mandated coal ash cleanup activities that create a high level of job security and long-term project continuity.

This role is based on active power plant sites, supporting ash basin closure projects that involve high-production excavation, grading, and earthmoving. You will primarily operate excavators (track hoes) and dozers to excavate, move, grade, and manage coal ash, soil, and other materials across large project areas. Daily work includes loading off-road haul trucks, performing rough and finish grading, constructing and maintaining haul roads and drainage features, and supporting ongoing basin closure operations. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, with multiple pieces of heavy equipment operating simultaneously and active haul routes throughout the site. You will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven, sometimes wet or unstable ground, while adhering to strict safety, quality, and environmental compliance standards. Standard workweeks often involve extended hours and significant overtime to meet project schedules and production goals.

This is a Contract position based out of Belmont, NC.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a Contract position based out of Belmont, NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Belmont,NC.

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.