Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator (Lull / Telehandler)

This role focuses on operating a Lull telehandler to safely and efficiently erect heavy structural steel beams on active commercial and industrial construction sites. You will handle 60-foot span beams weighing approximately 3,400 pounds at heights up to 20 feet, working closely with riggers, signalers, and site supervision to maintain a safe, organized, and productive jobsite.

Responsibilities

• Operate Lull forklift and telehandler equipment to lift, move, position, and support structural beams and construction materials.
• Safely erect 60-foot structural beams weighing approximately 3,400 pounds at heights up to 20 feet.
• Coordinate closely with riggers, signalers, and site supervisors to plan and execute safe lifting operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints and lift plans to perform precise placement of structural steel components.
• Apply a strong understanding of load charts, rigging basics, and lift planning to every lift.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and pre-use checks, promptly reporting any mechanical or safety issues.
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, site-specific safety rules, and manufacturer operating standards.
• Assist with general material handling, staging, and site logistics when not actively operating equipment.
• Support steel erection activities, including working with structural steel and related components as needed.
• Communicate clearly with ground crews and other team members using hand signals, radios, and verbal instructions.
• Contribute to a safety-first culture by following all safety protocols and participating in jobsite safety practices.

Essential Skills

• Certified Lull and telehandler operator with verifiable experience.
• Minimum 35 years of experience operating telehandlers in structural steel or heavy construction environments.
• Proven ability to safely lift, maneuver, and place long-span beams or similarly oversized and heavy loads.
• Strong understanding of load charts, rigging fundamentals, and lift planning principles.
• Ability to read and work from blueprints related to structural steel and lifting operations.
• Experience working with structural steel, including steel erection tasks.
• Proficiency with SMAW (stick welding) and FCAW processes in a construction environment, where required by the job.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
• Clear, effective communication skills with riggers, signalers, and ground crews.
• Strong situational awareness and commitment to safe equipment operation on active jobsites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Welding experience with structural steel components.
• Hands-on experience in commercial and industrial new construction environments.
• Experience working with steel erection crews on large projects.
• NCCCO certification or equivalent crane and lifting-related credentials (preferred but not required).
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety certification, or equivalent (preferred but not required).
• Familiarity with site logistics, material handling, and coordination on large construction projects.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that values stability, safety, and long-term careers rather than short-term assignments. You benefit from paid PTO, holidays, and sick time, along with fringe benefits on top of wages and a 401(k) plan. You work in a smaller crew where you are known by name, not just a badge number, and you enjoy a steady schedule with real opportunities for growth instead of waiting years for advancement. The organization emphasizes lower-risk work, safer jobsites, and a strong safety-first culture, while also investing in your development by paying for equipment certifications and supporting long-term job security.

Work Environment

This position supports commercial and industrial new construction projects, including a data center project in the Shakopee area. You will work on active construction sites, moving from site to site as needed. Typical hours run Monday through Friday, starting around 6:307:00 a.m. and finishing around 3:004:00 p.m., depending on project requirements. The work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and involves operating heavy equipment around structural steel and other construction materials. You will collaborate closely with a small, tight-knit crew in a safety-focused environment that follows OSHA and site-specific safety standards, using modern telehandlers, rigging gear, and related construction equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Shakopee, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 Shakopee, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.