Heavy Equipment Operator @ Aerotek

Job Title: Heavy Equipment OperatorJob DescriptionThe Heavy Equipment Operator works on commercial construction and site development projects, operating a variety of heavy machinery to support grading, excavation, and utility installation. This role focuses on safely and efficiently using equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers to prepare sites, move materials, and support the grade crew. The position also requires the ability to work outside the cab when needed and to perform routine maintenance and inspections to keep equipment in optimal working condition.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers to move earth, debris, and construction materials.
• Perform excavation and grading tasks, using equipment to dig, level, and fine grade land according to project specifications and plans.
• Prepare construction sites by clearing land, removing obstacles, and establishing proper groundwork for commercial construction and site development projects.
• Handle materials such as dirt, gravel, and rock by loading, transporting, and distributing them safely and efficiently around the job site.
• Install pipe and perform utility-related work as part of site development activities, following project requirements and safety standards.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections, monitor performance, and perform minor repairs and routine maintenance to keep machinery in top operating condition.
• Work collaboratively with the grade crew and other site personnel to coordinate equipment operations and support overall project timelines.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safety-first mindset while operating equipment and working on foot around active construction areas.
• Work outside the cab as needed to assist with ground tasks, site layout, material handling, and general labor associated with site preparation.
• Adapt to varying site conditions, weather, and project needs across multiple job sites within the Richmond metro area.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience installing pipe and performing utility work on construction sites.
• 23+ years of hands-on experience operating excavators, bulldozers, and front end loaders.
• Proficiency in grading and fine grading, including rough grade and finish work.
• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers safely and efficiently.
• Experience in commercial construction and site development environments.
• Ability to work comfortably both inside and outside the equipment cab as job tasks require.
• Strong understanding of equipment inspections, basic troubleshooting, and routine maintenance procedures.
• Commitment to a safety-first mindset and adherence to established safety protocols on active construction sites.
• Reliability and flexibility to work varying hours, including some weekends, based on project and weather conditions.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based on active construction sites within the Richmond metro area, with job locations up to approximately 45 minutes from Chester, VA. You typically work 4050 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from about 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on weather and project needs, with flexibility required for occasional weekend work. The work is primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions and involves operating heavy equipment and performing tasks on foot around active job sites.

You may rotate among approximately 15 different job sites, requiring adaptability to different site conditions and layouts. Work attire should be appropriate for construction environments, including durable clothing and suitable footwear, with a focus on safety and comfort while working around heavy machinery and earthmoving operations. For more information, feel free to reach out to DeQuan Cooper at: 4052542235!

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.00 - $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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.

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.