HEO Technician

Aerotek; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek in Charleston, SC seeks a Utility Operator to operate hydraulic excavators for underground utility construction, focusing on precise trenching and safe coordination with pipe crews. The role is contract-to-hire and onsite in Charleston.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of excavator experience, reads plans, and follows trench safety standards. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and a 401(k) plan, with weekly pay.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating excavators in underground utility construction.
• Experience excavating for sanitary sewer, storm drainage, waterline, and other utility projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, lasers, GPS guidance, and utility drawings.
• Strong knowledge of trenching and excavation techniques and best practices for utility installation.
• Solid understanding of excavation safety, trench safety standards, and utility locating procedures.
• Proficiency operating hydraulic excavators, trackhoes, and related heavy equipment in civil and utility construction settings.
• Ability to work effectively with utility crews, pipe crews, and supervisors in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and commitment to completing projects safely and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic excavators and other heavy equipment to excavate trenches for utilities.
• Perform precise excavation and grading per plans.
• Safely excavate around underground utilities and structures.
• Install trench boxes and shoring as required for safe trench conditions.
• Assist pipe crews with placement of pipes, manholes, and fittings.
• Load and move materials using appropriate equipment.
• Maintain trench width, depth, and slope per specs.
• Guide excavation using grade stakes, lasers, and GPS.
• Coordinate with ground personnel and utility crews during operations.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.

Skills

Excavator operation

Trench excavation

Reading plans & GPS

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Reliability

Tools

GPS

Lasers

Grade stakes

Shoring systems

Job description

Job Title: Utility Operator

$28-35/hr

Job Description

The HEO Technician operates hydraulic excavators and related heavy equipment to support underground utility construction, including sanitary sewer, storm drain, waterline, and other utility installations. This role focuses on precise trench excavation and grading, safe work around existing utilities and structures, and close coordination with pipe crews and ground personnel to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plans and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic excavators and other heavy equipment to excavate trenches for sanitary sewer, storm drain, waterline, and utility installations.
• Perform precise excavation and grading operations in accordance with project plans, grades, and specifications.
• Safely excavate around existing underground utilities, structures, and other obstructions while protecting all assets in the work area.
• Install trench boxes, shoring systems, and other excavation support equipment as required to maintain safe trench conditions.
• Assist pipe crews with the placement of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), sanitary sewer pipe, manholes, structures, and fittings.
• Load, unload, and move materials such as bedding stone, backfill, and construction debris using appropriate equipment.
• Maintain proper trench width, depth, and slope to support utility installation requirements and project specifications.
• Work from grade stakes, lasers, GPS systems, and construction drawings to guide excavation and grading activities.
• Coordinate closely with ground personnel and utility crews during excavation operations to ensure safe and efficient workflow.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required maintenance checks on excavators and associated machinery.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report maintenance or repair needs to the appropriate personnel.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, trench safety standards, and company safety policies at all times.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and storage of tools, materials, and equipment.
• Support overall project completion by performing other duties as assigned, including general construction tasks as needed.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating excavators in underground utility construction preferred.
• Demonstrated experience excavating for sanitary sewer, storm drainage, waterline, and other utility projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, lasers, GPS guidance, and utility drawings.
• Strong knowledge of trenching and excavation techniques and best practices for utility installation.
• Solid understanding of excavation safety, trench safety standards, and utility locating procedures.
• Proficiency operating hydraulic excavators, trackhoes, and related heavy equipment in civil and utility construction settings.
• Ability to work effectively with utility crews, pipe crews, and supervisors in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and commitment to completing projects safely and on schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on utility construction and civil construction projects involving sanitary sewer, storm drain, and waterline installations.
• Experience in pipe installation, including working with RCP, sanitary sewer pipe, manholes, and related structures and fittings.
• Familiarity with backhoes, trackhoes, and other heavy equipment commonly used in utility installation and utility projects.
• Comfort working from construction drawings and grade control systems, including lasers and GPS.
• Ability to communicate clearly with ground personnel and follow directions from supervisors and project managers.
• Strong focus on safety, housekeeping, and maintaining an organized work site.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers long‑term, stable work with the potential to transition into a direct role and continue traveling throughout the Carolinas on ongoing projects. Team members join a safety-focused, project-driven environment that values reliability, strong work ethic, and professional growth. The varied project locations and schedules provide opportunities to gain diverse experience in utility construction while building a lasting career with a dedicated field team.

Work Environment

This role is based in an outdoor construction environment with work performed in varying weather conditions. The schedule includes a mix of day and night shifts, and hours may change depending on weather and specific project needs. Work is centered around active utility construction sites with heavy equipment such as hydraulic excavators, trackhoes, and backhoes, as well as grade control technologies like lasers and GPS. The environment is safety-focused, with strict adherence to trench safety standards, OSHA regulations, and company policies, and requires appropriate construction attire suitable for field work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charleston, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charleston,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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: Aerotek.com | 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.