Heavy Equipment Operator

Construction Job Force; City of Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Overtime

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Career Growth

Hands-On Training

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator / Shop Helper for Tonawanda, NY in a contract-to-hire role on 2nd shift (3:00 PM - 11:30 PM). The position covers operating overhead cranes, rigging, material handling, and supporting fabrication and maintenance teams.

Ideal candidates have mechanical aptitude, experience with hand and power tools, forklift or material handling experience, and the ability to lift and stay active throughout the shift.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience.
• Experience with hand and power tools.
• Forklift or material handling experience.
• Comfortable working around heavy equipment.
• Ability to lift, bend, and stay active throughout the shift.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Comfortable working 2nd shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes to move materials and equipment.
• Assist with rigging and material handling.
• Load, unload, and stage parts throughout the shop.
• Move trailers and equipment around the facility.
• Perform steel blasting and surface preparation.
• Use hand and power tools for shop tasks.
• Grind, polish, and prepare metal components.
• Support fabrication, welding, assembly, and maintenance teams.
• Keep the shop clean, organized, and safe.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Power tools

Forklift experience

Material handling

Heavy equipment awareness

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator / Shop Helper

Buffalo Area

2nd Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM

$22-$25/hr

Why Join?

• Competitive Pay

• Overtime Available

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Paid Vacation & Sick Time

• Stable, Long-Term Opportunity

• Hands-On Training & Cross-Training

• Learn Fabrication, Rigging, Crane Operation & Mechanical Skills

• Career Growth Opportunities

• Work alongside experienced tradespeople

What You'll Do

• Operate overhead cranes to move materials and equipment

• Assist with rigging and material handling

• Load, unload, and stage parts throughout the shop

• Move trailers and equipment around the facility

• Perform steel blasting and surface preparation

• Use hand and power tools for shop tasks

• Grind, polish, and prepare metal components

• Support fabrication, welding, assembly, and maintenance teams

• Keep the shop clean, organized, and safe

What We’re Looking For

• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience

• Experience with hand and power tools

• Forklift or material handling experience

• Comfortable working around heavy equipment

• Ability to lift, bend, and stay active throughout the shift

• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic

• Comfortable working 2nd shift

Work Environment

• Industrial fabrication and repair shop

• Work around overhead cranes, forklifts, and heavy equipment

• Hands-on, fast-paced environment

• Support custom manufacturing and repair projects

• Strong focus on safety and teamwork

• PPE required

Ideal Candidate

Someone with warehouse, construction, fabrication, machine operation, maintenance, or general labor experience who enjoys hands-on work and wants to build a career operating heavy equipment and supporting skilled trades.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tonawanda, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tonawanda,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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: ~~~ | 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.