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Aerotek
Heavy Equipment Operator
Career Insights for Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
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Based on Texas data
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What they do
An Operating Engineer or Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in quarries, construction sites, landfills, refuse and recycling centers, or ports. Heavy Equipment may include, but is not limited to, bulldozers, excavators, paving equipment and pile drivers.
$53,887 / year median in Texas
+14% projected growth
Job Description
Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description This role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment to support construction utility trenching and excavating projects. You safely and efficiently handle excavators of various sizes, skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders while maintaining accurate logs and following all safety procedures. You work as part of a crew, take direction well, and consistently demonstrate responsibility, honesty, and punctuality. Responsibilities Operate heavy equipment, including excavators of all sizes (particularly 85G and smaller), skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders with confidence and minimal supervision. Perform construction utility trenching and excavating tasks safely and efficiently according to project plans and site requirements. Maintain accurate logs and records related to equipment use, work performed, and any incidents or safety observations. Make accurate and safe decisions that protect yourself, your crew, and others on or near the job site. Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and ensure it is used properly and consistently. Follow instructions from supervisors and crew leads, adapt to changing priorities, and work effectively as part of a team. Communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors to coordinate equipment movement, trenching operations, and site activities. Work flexible hours, including days, nights, and weekends, as required by project schedules. Lift and move materials weighing 50 pounds or more as needed to support site operations. Perform work from heights when required, following all safety protocols and using appropriate fall protection. Arrive at the designated office location on time to meet the crew and ride together to the job site. Clock in at the office before traveling to the work site and clock out upon returning, ensuring accurate timekeeping for drive time and work hours. Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment around equipment and work areas. Demonstrate reliability, honesty, and punctuality in all aspects of the job. Essential Skills Proficiency in heavy equipment operation, including excavators (especially 85G and smaller), skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders, with at least one year of experience. Extensive hands-on experience and comfort operating heavy equipment independently without constant direction. Experience in construction utility trenching and excavating. Valid driver's license. Reliable transportation to the office meeting point. Strong communication skills for coordinating with supervisors and crew members. Ability to take direction and work effectively as part of a team. Demonstrated responsibility, honesty, and punctuality. Ability to work days, nights, and weekends as needed. Ability to lift 50 pounds or more. Ability to work from heights while following safety procedures. OSHA 10 certificate (required). Commitment to wearing and correctly using required PPE at all times. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience working on crew-based construction projects. Familiarity with logging work activities and maintaining accurate records. Strong situational awareness and sound judgment in fast-paced, safety-sensitive environments. Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Willingness to travel daily from the office to the job site with the crew. Why Work Here? You join a crew-focused environment where teamwork and safety are prioritized, and your time is respected with paid drive time to and from the job site. The opportunity offers a clear path to long-term employment through a contract-to-hire arrangement, giving you stability and room to grow. You work with well-maintained equipment, receive support to uphold strong safety standards, and benefit from a culture that values reliability, professionalism, and open communication. Work Environment This position is based in a field construction environment supporting utility trenching and excavating projects. You meet at an office location around 4:45 AM, clock in, and ride with your crew to the work site, with drive time paid both to and from the site. The regular work schedule runs Monday through Friday, typically until about 5-6 PM, with the flexibility to work days, nights, and weekends when project needs require it. You operate heavy equipment such as excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, and front-end loaders in outdoor conditions that may include dirt, dust, uneven terrain, and varying weather. The role requires consistent use of appropriate PPE and adherence to OSHA 10 safety standards, working at heights when necessary and handling materials weighing 50 pounds or more in a physically demanding, hands-on environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Buda, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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 Buda,TX.