Heavy Equipment Operator

Tessera; Fort Lee (NJ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

11 paid holidays

Paid vacation days

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Tessera is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator in Petersburg, Virginia to support maintenance projects using trucks, backhoes, graders, and other equipment. This is a full-time, non-exempt role requiring a valid CDL Class A and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

You will perform safety checks, read grade stakes, and coordinate with crews while delivering a professional, can-do attitude.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years operating heavy machinery or equivalent training
• Must be able to read, write, and comprehend instructions
• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearances and pass background checks

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy and light equipment for maintenance projects such as street/parking lot work
• Reads grade and slope stakes and simple plans
• Performs daily safety and equipment maintenance checks
• Cleans and maintains equipment
• Supports routine maintenance and emergency repairs as needed
• Maintains professional appearance and demeanor

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading & writing

Independent work

Customer service

Tools

CDL Class A

Job description

Location: Petersburg, Virginia (Fort Lee)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Compensation: $35.79/hour

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Heavy Equipment Operator at Tessera include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
• 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Tessera is seeking an operator who can operate various heavy equipment. This includes but not limited to trucks and trailers, backhoes, boom mowers, vacuum trucks, off road forklifts, bucket trucks, graders, front end loaders and tractors. Operation of equipment will be use to complete maintenance projects in a safe and effective manner as well as maintaining a positive/professional/can-do/helpful attitude.

Typical Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Operates various heavy and light equipment in maintenance projects such as preparing/paving/patching streets and parking lots, maintain gravel and other earth surfaced roads and access roads, blading road and ditches, removing and/or installing culverts, clearing weeds etc.
• Operator must be able to read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
• Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required.
• Participate in routine maintenance.
• May grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
• Maintain professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years operating heavy machinery or other formal training may be substituted in part for experience.
• Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to read, write, and comprehend applicable written and/or oral instructions.
• Must deal with customers in a courteous and respectful manner.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds.
• May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
• Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
• Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements

• A valid state driver’s license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.
• Valid CDL Class A, required.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Union Affiliation

This position is represented by the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO.

• Union Affiliation: This position is represented by the Transport Workers Union of America

Date Posted: 08/04/2026

• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals With Disabilities Are Encouraged To Apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at [phone] ext. 349, or email [e-mail].

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify