Heavy Equipment Operator

Construction Job Force; Canal Winchester (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a contract-to-hire Heavy Equipment Operator for Canal Winchester, OH. You will operate a range of earthmoving equipment, with emphasis on finish dozer work using GPS-enabled machines to achieve precise grades for roads and civil sites.

The role requires strong safety awareness, the ability to work extended hours, and collaboration with a field crew to maintain high production and quality on outdoor projects.

Qualifications

• Operate heavy construction equipment in a high-production outdoor setting.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, drawings, and plans.
• Perform daily maintenance checks and report issues promptly.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (graders, dozers, scrapers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, track hoes) to move, level, and distribute earth for roads and civil projects.
• Perform finish dozer work with a GPS-enabled D5LGP for precise grading and earthwork.
• Maintain safety and efficiency in tight, congested work areas and coordinate with crew members to meet production goals.
• Read grade stakes and blueprints to determine grades, slopes, and alignments for earthwork.
• Set up and calibrate GPS base stations and rotating laser equipment to support accurate grading.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

GPS/laser-guided grading

Finish dozer work

Reading blueprints/maps

Safety compliance

Team coordination

Earthmoving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS-based equipment

Machine control systems

Job description

Job Description

This role operates a variety of heavy construction equipment, with a strong focus on finish dozer work using a D5LGP Caterpillar equipped with GPS, to move, level, and distribute earth in preparation for roads, buildings, and civil site projects. The Heavy Equipment Operator performs precise grading, earthmoving, and site preparation while maintaining high safety standards, productivity, and equipment care in an outdoor, high-production environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate various types of heavy equipment, including graders, dozers, scrapers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, and track hoes, to move, level, and distribute earth for road, building, and civil construction projects.
• Perform finish dozer work using a D5LGP Caterpillar with GPS to cut ditches, slopes, and grades, clear brush, shape and dress slopes, and complete fine grading and earthwork to specified tolerances.
• Operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently, including driving a company vehicle when required, while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel, equipment, and activities in tight, congested work areas.
• Conduct daily maintenance checks on machinery, including checking fluids, grease points, and other basic service items, and report any issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Use machine-mounted lasers and GPS systems, as well as traditional methods, to achieve accurate grades, and adjust operations based on grade checker feedback or site conditions.
• Set up, calibrate, and take down rotating laser equipment and GPS base stations to support accurate grading and earthwork operations.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, maps, sketches, drawings, blueprints, and plans to determine required grades, slopes, and alignments for earthwork and utility construction.
• Perform basic arithmetic and use scale rulers or similar tools to calculate grades, slopes, and elevations needed to complete excavation, trenching, and civil site work.
• Work efficiently and cooperatively with crew members on civil construction, excavation, trenching, underground utility, and utility construction projects to meet production goals.
• Maintain awareness of equipment weight distribution, rated operating capacity, and stability to prevent tipping, overloading, or unsafe operation.
• Sustain productivity in a high-production environment for extended periods, including long shifts and weekend work, while maintaining quality and safety.
• Follow all safety guidelines, site rules, and written or verbal instructions to ensure a safe worksite for yourself and others.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing tasks and priorities to complete assigned work on schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall project and crew needs.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to operate heavy equipment such as dozers, graders, scrapers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, and track hoes in construction and civil site environments.
• Demonstrated experience performing fine grading and finish work, particularly with finish dozers on earthworks and civil construction projects.
• Hands-on experience operating a D5LGP Caterpillar or similar dozer equipped with GPS for grading and site preparation.
• Ability to use machine-mounted GPS systems and laser-guided equipment to achieve precise grades and slopes.
• Skill in setting up, operating, and taking down rotating laser equipment and GPS base stations.
• Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, maps, sketches, drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Competence in performing basic arithmetic and using scale rulers or similar tools to calculate grades, elevations, and slopes.
• Capability to work safely and efficiently in tight, congested work areas with multiple simultaneous activities around the machine.
• Understanding of weight distribution, rated operating capacity, and how these factors affect equipment stability and safe operation.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions accurately and consistently.
• Capacity to work independently in the absence of direct supervision while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Willingness and ability to work 5560 hours per week, including Saturdays, in a high-production environment.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or an equivalent combination of education and related experience (one to three months or more).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in civil construction, civil site work, and earthworks projects, including roads, building pads, and site development.
• Experience in excavation, trenching, and underground utility or utility construction work.
• Familiarity with blueprint reading and interpreting construction plans for civil and utility projects.
• Experience working with GPS-guided equipment and machine control systems on heavy machinery.
• Prior exposure to high-volume, production-oriented construction environments.
• Strong focus on safety, efficiency, and productivity while working as part of a field crew.
• Ability to maintain composure and precision when operating equipment for extended periods.

Why Work Here?

You will join a field-focused team that values safety, craftsmanship, and reliable performance on every project. The role offers steady hours with significant overtime potential and the opportunity to develop advanced skills in GPS-guided heavy equipment operation. After demonstrating consistent performance and commitment over time, you may be eligible to transition from contract to direct employment, providing added stability and long-term career growth.

Work Environment

This position is entirely outdoors on active construction and civil site projects, working in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain. Typical hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a half-hour lunch break, resulting in a 5560 hour workweek. The work environment is high-production and fast-paced, with multiple crews and pieces of equipment operating in close proximity, requiring constant situational awareness and adherence to safety practices. You will regularly operate heavy machinery such as dozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, loaders, and backhoes, often using GPS and laser-guided systems to achieve precise grades. Field-appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment are required to meet site safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Canal Winchester, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Canal Winchester, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Canal Winchester,OH.

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: ~~~ | 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.