At least 3 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
78% STARs in role.
Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Description
This role involves operating heavy equipment on construction sites as part of a grading crew. You will primarily run bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, and front-end loaders to support earthwork, grading, and site development projects. In addition to operating machinery, you will occasionally work outside the cab to assist with site preparation and support the crew in achieving project specifications and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, and front-end loaders to move earth, debris, and construction materials.
- Perform excavation and grading activities, including digging, leveling, and fine grading land according to project plans and specifications.
- Prepare construction sites by clearing land, removing obstacles, and ensuring proper groundwork for site and civil projects.
- Handle materials by loading, transporting, and distributing dirt, gravel, rock, and other aggregates as required.
- Work effectively with grade crews to complete rough and fine grading, earthworks, and site development tasks.
- Occasionally work outside the cab to assist with ground operations, site layout, and utility crew activities when needed.
- Use GPS-guided equipment and grade control systems when available to improve accuracy and efficiency in grading operations.
- Perform daily equipment inspections to identify issues, ensure safe operation, and comply with safety procedures.
- Complete minor repairs and routine maintenance on heavy equipment to keep machinery in good working condition.
- Follow all safety protocols and maintain a safety-first mindset while operating equipment and working on active construction sites.
- Adapt to different job sites within the Richmond Metro area and remain flexible in responding to changing project needs and schedules.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 2 years of heavy equipment operation experience.
- 2–3+ years of experience operating excavators and dozers, with dozer experience being especially important.
- Proven experience in site and civil construction projects, including earthworks and site development.
- Demonstrated ability to perform rough and fine grading using heavy equipment.
- Experience working as part of a grade crew on active construction sites.
- Strong proficiency in operating bulldozers and excavators safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work comfortably both inside and occasionally outside the equipment cab.
- Solid understanding of construction site safety practices and a safety-first mindset.
- Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel to multiple job sites within the Richmond Metro area.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- GPS experience with heavy equipment or grade control systems is a plus.
- Experience working on utility crews is a plus.
- Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and varying site environments.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with crew members and supervisors.
- Good problem-solving skills for addressing on-site challenges and equipment issues.
Why Work Here?
You join a long-established, family-oriented construction company that values safety, stability, and employee retention. The organization offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan featuring a 10% match and full vesting after five years. You begin accruing vacation time from your first day as a permanent employee and receive seven paid holidays each year. The culture emphasizes a safety-first mindset, strong teamwork, and long-term career growth, creating an environment where employees feel supported and appreciated.
Work Environment
You work an average of 40–50 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with schedules adjusted as needed based on weather conditions. Occasional weekend work may be required to meet project timelines. You operate across multiple construction sites within the Richmond Metro area, with some locations up to approximately 45 minutes from Chester, VA, so flexibility in travel and site assignments is important. The role is fully field-based, involving outdoor work in varying weather and site conditions, and regular interaction with heavy equipment, grade crews, and utility crews on active construction projects.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chester, 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)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chester,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.
Posting ID: JP-006233386