Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Description
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently operates large earthmoving machinery to support remediation, river and stream restoration, and site development projects. This role follows strict safety standards and regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality excavation, grading, and material handling work in demanding field conditions.
Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, with primary focus on large hydraulic excavators such as Komatsu PC490 and PC360, to support earthmoving and site operations.
• Perform excavation, grading, shaping, and finish grading work for river and stream restoration and other site development activities.
• Load, transport, and unload soil, debris, sand, gravel, and waste materials to designated locations in accordance with project specifications.
• Conduct work and operate equipment in wet environments, including water, mud, uneven terrain, and changing environmental conditions.
• Support dust control, dirt compaction, dewatering, sediment stabilization, and dredging operations as required by the project.
• Coordinate tasks using handheld radios and maintain clear, effective communication with supervisors and team members.
• Read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications to complete work accurately.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
• Ensure strict compliance with company safety policies, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.
• Lift and handle materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds as needed for daily operations.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project schedules and operational needs.
• Travel to various job sites, including out-of-town locations, and adapt to different site conditions and requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall operational objectives and project success.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction, earthmoving, or related environments.
• Demonstrated ability to operate large hydraulic excavators, including finish grade and fine grade work.
• Strong working knowledge of heavy equipment operation and job site safety protocols.
• Valid HAZWOPER certification.
• Familiarity with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• Familiarity with Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.
• Experience working in challenging terrain and environmental conditions, including wet, muddy, and uneven ground.
• Ability to perform hydraulic and mechanical dredging, dewatering, sediment stabilization, and waste transportation or closely related tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications.
• Ability to maintain accurate daily logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation.
• Clean driving record acceptable to insurance carrier requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily duties.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating work using handheld radios and working effectively with field teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a strong plus.
• Experience on environmental or remedial construction sites.
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic and mechanical dredging and dewatering operations.
• GPS machine control experience, preferably with TopCon systems.
• Background in construction labor, including operation of front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, and dozers.
• Experience achieving finish grade and fine grade tolerances on complex projects.

Why Work Here?
You will join a field-focused team that recognizes hard work through structured annual reviews, a competitive 401(k) program with up to 4% company match, and spot bonuses ranging from $25 to $400 to reward exceptional performance and safe work practices. The organization offers steady project work, opportunities to work on impactful environmental and restoration projects, and the chance to broaden your skills on diverse sites and equipment. Travel assignments include a daily per diem for qualifying trips, supporting your comfort while working away from home and reinforcing a culture that values both contribution and well-being.
Work Environment
This role is based primarily on environmental and remediation sites, often outdoors in conditions that can be hot, cold, rainy, muddy, and rapidly changing from day to day. You will work around heavy equipment such as large hydraulic excavators and other construction machinery, frequently on uneven terrain and in wet environments including river and stream corridors. The position involves approximately 75% travel, with main projects in areas such as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing, and occasional assignments in neighboring states such as Ohio and Illinois. Travel may require being away from home Monday through Thursday overnight, with a per diem provided for travel over 55 miles from home. Work hours can include evenings and weekends to meet project demands, and you will spend most of your time on active job sites rather than in an office setting, wearing appropriate field attire and personal protective equipment suitable for construction and environmental conditions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Grand Rapids,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.