Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This Heavy Equipment Operator role supports a large-scale commercial construction project from early phases through completion. You operate a variety of heavy machinery to perform site development, grading, material movement, excavation, and utility-related work. This position is ideal for experienced operators who enjoy fast-paced job sites, take pride in safe and efficient equipment operation, and want to contribute to a high-visibility project.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, front-end loaders, skid steers, backhoes, and haul trucks to support daily construction activities.
• Perform grading, trenching, excavation, and site preparation work according to project plans and site layouts.
• Move materials, clear land, and assist field crews with day-to-day site operations to keep the project on schedule.
• Follow project plans, layout instructions, and direction from supervisors to complete dig work and utility-related tasks accurately.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform basic maintenance checks to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Maintain strong awareness of job site safety, hazards, and traffic patterns while operating equipment.
• Work collaboratively with field teams, laborers, and foremen to coordinate equipment use and support overall project goals.
• Adhere to established safety practices, procedures, and site rules at all times.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and crew members regarding site conditions, equipment issues, and task progress.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in a construction environment.
• Proficiency operating excavators, dozers, skid steers, front-end loaders, backhoes, and similar heavy equipment.
• Hands-on experience performing grading, excavation, trenching, and utility-related work.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans or follow detailed layout and dig instructions from supervisors.
• Strong understanding of construction safety practices and job site awareness.
• Proven reliability, with a team-oriented mindset and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical ability to perform a demanding role that involves walking, climbing, and operating equipment throughout the workday.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience on large-scale commercial construction projects.
• Comfort working in changing outdoor conditions and on active construction sites.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, foremen, and field crews.
• Demonstrated ability to follow project plans, site layouts, and verbal instructions accurately.
• Commitment to maintaining equipment in good working order through daily inspections and basic maintenance.

Work Environment

This role is based on an outdoor commercial construction site with active heavy equipment and ongoing field operations. The position is physically demanding and involves regular walking, climbing onto and off equipment, and operating machinery for extended periods. Workdays may start early and can include overtime depending on project needs, so flexibility with hours is important. You work closely with field teams, laborers, and foremen in a collaborative, safety-focused environment where proper personal protective equipment is required and job site safety procedures are strictly followed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sacramento, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/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 Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.