Heavy Equipment Operator

Aerotek; Maryland; On-site; USD 68,770,000 - 74,677,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for a Southern Division contract role based in Gambrills, MD. You will work on a pipe crew, operating excavators, front-end loaders, rollers, and other heavy equipment to backfill, grade, and prepare sites, while maintaining safety and productivity.

This outdoor construction position emphasizes controlled lifts, material handling, and teamwork with the crew. Ideal candidates have 4+ years of field experience and a strong commitment to safety on

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience operating excavators/front-end loaders on construction sites.
• Experience backfilling in controlled lifts with heavy equipment.
• Ability to operate rollers for compaction.
• Experience transporting gravel, pipe, and similar materials.
• Maintain neat, orderly job site.
• Experience in outdoor construction environments.
• Strong safety knowledge for heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and front-end loaders to perform backfilling in controlled lifts.
• Operate rollers to compact backfilled areas.
• Carry and transport gravel, pipe, and other construction materials safely.
• Dress and tidy the job site, maintaining a clean area.
• Work as part of a pipe crew on outdoor projects.
• Use backhoes and dozers when needed to support excavation and site prep.
• Follow safety procedures and guidelines on active construction sites.
• Communicate with crew members and supervisors to coordinate tasks and material movement.
• Inspect equipment before use and report issues to ensure safe operation.
• Adapt to changing site conditions while maintaining productivity.

Skills

Excavator operation

Front-end loader operation

Roller operation

Material transport

Site housekeeping

Outdoor construction

Safety-conscious

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator – Southern Division

The Heavy Equipment Operator will work on a pipe crew performing excavation, backfilling, and site preparation using heavy equipment such as excavators, front-end loaders, and rollers. This role focuses on backfilling in controlled lifts, safely transporting materials, and maintaining a clean and organized work area as construction progresses.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and front-end loaders to perform backfilling in controlled lifts according to project specifications and safety standards.
• Operate rollers to compact backfilled areas and ensure proper soil density and stability.
• Carry and transport gravel, pipe, and other construction materials efficiently and safely across the job site.
• Dress and tidy the job site as work progresses, maintaining a clean, organized, and professional work area.
• Work as an integral member of a pipe crew on outdoor construction projects, supporting installation and backfilling of underground utilities and piping.
• Use additional heavy equipment such as backhoes and dozers when needed to support excavation, grading, and site preparation activities.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while operating heavy equipment and working on active construction sites.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors to coordinate tasks, equipment usage, and material movement.
• Inspect equipment before use and report any issues or maintenance needs to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Adapt to changing site conditions and project requirements while maintaining productivity and quality of work.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience operating excavators and front-end loaders on construction sites.
• Proficiency in backfilling in controlled lifts using excavators and front-end loaders.
• Ability to operate rollers for compaction of backfilled areas.
• Experience carrying and transporting gravel, pipe, and similar construction materials with heavy equipment.
• Capability to maintain and dress the job site as work progresses, ensuring a neat and orderly work environment.
• Hands-on experience working in outdoor construction environments, preferably on pipe crews or similar utility installation projects.
• Strong understanding of safe heavy equipment operation and adherence to construction site safety practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating additional heavy equipment such as backhoes and dozers is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a crew on large-scale construction projects.
• Reliable work ethic with willingness to take direction and support various tasks as needed.
• Ability to adapt to different equipment and job site conditions while maintaining quality and safety.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a highly competitive benefits package that stands out among local companies, along with clear opportunities for growth and long-term financial rewards. Within the first 90 days, team members receive a performance evaluation with potential for a raise, earn one week of vacation, and benefit from seven paid holidays. A profit-sharing program offers significant long-term value, with full vesting after six years and the potential to build substantial retirement savings without personal contributions. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available with both high-deductible and low-deductible options to fit different needs. The organization values longevity and internal growth, as shown by many employees with 30–40 years of service and strong examples of individuals advancing from entry-level roles to leadership positions.

Work Environment

This role is based on an outdoor construction site as part of a pipe crew, working in varying weather and ground conditions typical of heavy civil and utility projects. The position involves daily operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, front-end loaders, rollers, and potentially backhoes and dozers. Work is physically active and performed on uneven terrain around active excavation and pipe installation areas. The environment is safety-focused, with an emphasis on proper equipment operation, situational awareness, and teamwork among crew members. Attire is typical construction workwear suitable for outdoor conditions and compliant with safety requirements, including appropriate footwear and protective gear.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Gambrills, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/hr.