Heavy machinery operator h1.location_city

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator will work on commercial construction and site development projects, operating a variety of heavy machinery to support excavation, grading, and site preparation activities. This role involves safely and efficiently using bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and other heavy equipment to move earth and materials according to project specifications, while also assisting with tasks outside the cab as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers to move earth, debris, and construction materials safely and efficiently.
• Perform excavation and grading work, including digging, leveling, rough grading, and fine grading in accordance with project plans and specifications.
• Prepare construction sites by clearing land, removing obstacles, and ensuring proper groundwork for commercial construction and site development.
• Handle materials by loading, transporting, and distributing dirt, gravel, rock, and other aggregates around the job site using appropriate equipment.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections to identify potential issues and ensure machinery is in safe operating condition.
• Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on heavy equipment to keep machinery in top working condition and reduce downtime.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safety-first mindset while operating equipment and working on foot around active construction areas.
• Assist with tasks outside the cab as required, including ground support activities to help the grade crew complete projects on schedule.
• Communicate effectively with foremen, crew members, and other operators to coordinate work and maintain efficient site operations.
• Adapt to working across multiple job sites within the region, adjusting to varying site conditions and project needs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• 2–3+ years of experience operating excavators, bulldozers (dozers), and front end loaders.
• Proficiency in excavation and grading, including rough grade and fine grading work.
• Hands-on experience working with heavy equipment on commercial construction and site development projects.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers.
• Comfort working both inside and outside the cab, including performing ground support tasks when needed.
• Strong awareness of construction site safety practices and a safety-first mindset.
• Ability to read and follow project directions related to site preparation, excavation, and grading.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to multiple job sites within the region.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on multiple concurrent job sites within a metro area.
• Experience in commercial construction, site development, and earthmoving operations.
• Ability to perform basic equipment troubleshooting and minor mechanical repairs.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with a grade crew and site team.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing schedules and site conditions based on weather and project requirements.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established, stable company with a strong track record and high employee retention, where people tend to build long-term careers. The culture emphasizes a family-oriented environment and a safety-first mindset, fostering teamwork, respect, and support on and off the job site. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with a 10% company match and full vesting at five years, paid vacation that begins accruing from the first day of permanent employment, and seven paid holidays. The organization values work-life balance while offering steady hours and the opportunity to grow your skills over time.

Work Environment

This role is based on active construction sites within the Richmond metro area, with approximately 15 different job sites and the furthest site located about 45 minutes from Chester, VA. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 . to 5:00 ., averaging 40–50 hours per week, with flexibility required to work some weekends depending on weather and project needs. You will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain, operating heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers, as well as performing tasks outside the cab as needed. The environment is fast-paced and safety-focused, with a strong emphasis on proper equipment use, daily inspections, and adherence to safety procedures. Appropriate workwear suitable for construction sites and outdoor conditions is expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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 Virginia Beach,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.