Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

This role operates a variety of heavy construction equipment with a primary focus on excavators to support civil construction and earthwork activities. You safely and efficiently perform excavation, trenching, grading, and other dirt work while assisting with general labor tasks as needed to keep projects running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanized drillers, excavators, and other construction earth-moving equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform excavation and trenching for utility construction and other civil construction activities.
• Carry out fine grading and general grading to meet project specifications and site plans.
• Operate a range of heavy equipment, including dozers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, and haul trucks as required.
• Use GPS-guided equipment to perform precise digging, grading, and layout tasks.
• Support utility construction and dirt work by moving materials, preparing work areas, and maintaining proper site conditions.
• Assist with other labor duties as assigned, including basic site cleanup and material handling.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures, with particular attention to working on large, long-term construction projects.
• Conduct basic pre-operation inspections of equipment and report any issues or maintenance needs.
• Work reliably and consistently, demonstrating strong motivation and commitment to project timelines.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments.
• Proficiency in operating excavators as the primary piece of equipment.
• Hands-on experience with trench digging and excavation for utility construction and civil construction projects.
• Ability to perform fine grading and general grading using heavy equipment.
• Experience utilizing GPS systems in equipment for accurate excavation and grading.
• Skill in operating multiple types of heavy equipment, such as dozers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, and haul trucks.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and willingness to follow all safety procedures on site.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to consistently report to the job site.
• Demonstrated motivation to work and meet project demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in civil construction, utility construction, or large-scale dirt work projects.
• Experience working on long-term construction projects and hospital or commercial expansions.
• Ability to read and follow basic site plans and instructions related to excavation and grading.
• Comfort working as part of a team and assisting with general labor tasks when needed.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with supervisors and crew members.
• Attention to detail when operating GPS-guided equipment and performing fine grading.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bethlehem, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.