Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment OperatorThis role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment on commercial construction and site development projects. You will work as part of a grading crew, using bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and other heavy machinery to perform excavation, grading, site preparation, and material handling. You must be comfortable working both inside the cab and occasionally outside the equipment to support field activities and ensure safe, efficient operations.ResponsibilitiesOperate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers to move earth, debris, and construction materials.Perform excavation and grading tasks, including digging, leveling, fine grading, and rough grading in accordance with project plans and specifications.Prepare construction sites by clearing land, removing obstacles, and ensuring proper groundwork for commercial construction and site development.Handle materials by loading, transporting, and distributing dirt, gravel, rock, and other aggregates around the job site.Conduct daily equipment inspections to identify wear, damage, or safety issues and report concerns promptly.Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on heavy equipment to keep machinery in safe, reliable working condition.Work outside the cab as needed to assist with ground work, spot for other operators, and support the crew in completing site tasks safely.Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safety-first mindset while operating equipment and working on active construction sites.Collaborate with the grade crew and site supervisors to complete projects efficiently and meet schedule and quality requirements.Adapt to different job sites within the metro area and adjust to varying site conditions, weather, and project demands.Essential SkillsMinimum of 2 years of heavy equipment operation experience on construction or site development projects.23+ years of hands-on experience operating excavators, bulldozers (dozers), and front end loaders.Proficiency in excavation and grading, including fine grading and rough grading.Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers safely and efficiently.Experience working on commercial construction and site development projects.Ability to work comfortably both inside the cab and occasionally outside the equipment to support field and site tasks.Strong awareness of job site safety practices and commitment to a safety-first approach.Capability to handle materials, including loading, moving, and placing dirt, gravel, and rock.Reliability and flexibility to work across multiple job sites within a metro area.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience supporting grade crews on multi-site construction projects.Familiarity with site preparation activities such as land clearing and obstacle removal.Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on heavy equipment.Comfort working in varying weather conditions and adapting to changing site environments.Strong communication skills to coordinate with crew members and supervisors.Good organizational skills to manage tasks across multiple job sites.Why Work Here?You will join a long-established, family-oriented organization that values safety, stability, and long-term careers. The company emphasizes high employee retention and a supportive culture where safety comes first on every job. You can access comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with a 10% match and full vesting at five years, vacation time that begins accruing from your first day as a permanent employee, and seven paid holidays. This environment supports work-life balance while offering the opportunity to grow your skills and build a lasting career.Work EnvironmentThis position is based on active construction sites within the Richmond metro area, with approximately 15 job locations and the furthest site about 45 minutes from Chester, VA. You will typically work 40-50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from about 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on weather conditions, and you must be flexible to work some weekends when project schedules require it.

The role is fully field-based, involving daily exposure to outdoor conditions, variable terrain, and active heavy equipment operations. You will work closely with a grading crew and other construction professionals in a safety-focused environment that relies on heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, front end loaders, and vibratory rollers.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach, VA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 2026.