Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role operates heavy equipment, including bulldozers and excavators, to perform land clearing, site preparation, and grading activities on a large data center construction project. The Heavy Equipment Operator contributes to safe, efficient, and precise earthwork operations, with GPS dozer experience preferred to support accurate grading and civil site work.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators to complete land clearing, site preparation, and grading tasks on a large data center construction site.
• Use GPS-enabled bulldozers to perform precise grading and earthwork in accordance with project plans and specifications.
• Perform civil site and earthworks activities, including cutting, filling, and shaping terrain to prepare for construction.
• Support construction and civil construction teams by safely moving earth, debris, and materials as required.
• Inspect equipment before and after use to identify and report any mechanical issues or safety concerns.
• Follow site safety procedures and guidelines while operating heavy equipment and moving around the job site.
• Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions on a large campus environment.
• Step off equipment as needed to assist with ground tasks, spot for other operators, and support general site preparation activities.
• Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to complete daily work plans and meet project deadlines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around equipment and designated operating zones.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, in a construction environment.
• Experience with land clearing, site preparation, and grading activities on civil construction or heavy civil construction projects.
• Ability to operate GPS-enabled bulldozers for accurate grading (GPS dozer experience preferred).
• Knowledge in civil site or civil construction work, including earthworks and site preparation.
• Comfort working outdoors for extended periods and navigating a large, active construction campus.
• Willingness and ability to step off equipment to assist with ground work and general site tasks.
• Strong awareness of safety practices related to heavy equipment operation and construction sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on data center construction projects or similar large-scale infrastructure sites.
• Experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment beyond bulldozers and excavators.
• Familiarity with construction site coordination and working alongside diverse trade teams.
• Ability to read and follow basic site plans, grades, and instructions from supervisors.
• Reliable work ethic with the ability to work consistently on long-term projects.

Why Work Here?

Join a well-established and reputable construction organization that is expanding in the Richmond area due to strong project demand. You will have the opportunity to grow into a long-term role with ongoing work on a major data center campus and future projects in the region. As you transition into a permanent position, you can access benefits and build a stable career path within a company that invests in its operations and future growth.

Work Environment

Work takes place at a large, active data center construction site on a massive campus. The role is primarily outdoors and requires comfort working in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain. You will operate heavy equipment in a busy civil construction environment, coordinating with other operators, laborers, and site personnel. Standard construction site safety practices apply, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to site rules and procedures.

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $29.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sandston,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

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.