Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator/Foreman

The Heavy Equipment Foreman oversees and operates a wide range of heavy construction equipment on site development projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of earthwork, utility installation, grading, and excavation activities. This role combines hands-on equipment operation with leadership responsibilities to maintain productivity, uphold safety standards, and support effective teamwork in a construction environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a variety of heavy equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, track hoes, graders, cranes, and other construction machinery.

• Lead and guide field crews on site development projects, promoting teamwork, productivity, and adherence to project plans and specifications.

• Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, site layouts, and GPS-guided equipment systems to ensure accurate project execution and grade control.

• Perform site grading, excavation, trenching, backfilling, digging, and material handling in accordance with project requirements and quality standards.

• Utilize Topcon GPS machine control systems and other GPS technologies to achieve precise grades and alignments when available.

• Install and support underground utilities and concrete-related work as part of site development activities.

• Complete daily equipment inspections and conduct routine equipment maintenance to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.

• Monitor job site conditions and enforce OSHA regulations and company safety policies, actively promoting a safe work environment.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites, ensuring equipment, materials, and work areas are properly managed.

• Collaborate closely with supervisors, laborers, and truck drivers to coordinate tasks, maintain productivity, and meet project deadlines.

• Communicate clearly with team members to relay instructions, report issues, and support effective problem solving on site.

• Assist with physically demanding field work as needed, including lifting up to 50 pounds and supporting crew activities.

• Ensure compliance with all pre-employment and ongoing safety and policy requirements, including drug and alcohol screening and background checks.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating a wide range of heavy construction equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, graders, and similar machinery.

• Strong background in site development, earthwork, utility installation, grading, and excavation.

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, site layouts, grade stakes, and GPS-guided equipment systems.

• Solid understanding of grade control and best practices for equipment operation in construction environments.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to work safely and efficiently in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.

• Dependable, safety-focused mindset with a strong commitment to producing quality work.

• Physical ability to perform demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting with field work.

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and background check.

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience utilizing Topcon GPS machine control systems.

• Experience with GPS-based grade control systems and site layout tools.

• background working on site development projects that include both vertical and horizontal construction.

• Knowledge of OSHA 30 / 40 safety standards and practices.

• Familiarity with equipment maintenance procedures and daily inspection protocols.

• Experience working with concrete and underground utilities on construction sites.

• Ability to maintain organized, clean, and safe job sites.

• Interest in professional growth and taking on increasing responsibility over time

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Meriden, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

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 Meriden,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.