Equipment Operator (Airfield & Transportation Projects)
Location: Colorado (Travel Required)
Pay Rate: $27.00/hr
Travel: Required (Hotels, meals, and drive time paid)
Position Overview
We are hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to support airfield and transportation lighting projects across Colorado. This role focuses on precise excavation, trenching, and conduit installation for airfield and street lighting systems. The position is approximately 60% equipment operation and 40% ground labor and is ideal for operators who take pride in clean, consistent work in high-production environments.
This is a high-urgency need with multiple active airfield projects underway and additional work starting soon.
Key Responsibilities
Operate heavy equipment including mini excavator, backhoe, skid steer, trencher, and digger derrick
Perform trenching and excavation for conduit installation and duct banks
Dig clean, straight duct banks at correct depth and alignment
Excavate foundations for light poles and signage, consistently achieving accurate dimensions (e.g. 3' x 5' x 3')
Backfill and compact excavations to project specifications
Read and interpret utility locates and work safely around underground utilities
Read and interpret grade stakes to maintain proper depth and slope
Assist with concrete placement and finishing as needed
Perform general labor duties when not operating equipment
Pull and maneuver equipment trailers safely on public roads and jobsites
Work collaboratively with crews in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
Follow strict safety protocols, especially in restricted-access airfield environments
Required Qualifications
3+ years experience in heavy civil, excavation, or utilities equipment operation
Strong mini-excavator skills (critical requirement)
Ability to consistently dig precise holes and straight duct banks at proper depth
Ability to read grade stakes accurately
Experience working around underground utilities
Comfortable in a role split 60% equipment / 40% ground labor
Ability to pull and maneuver trailers on roads and jobsites
Willing to travel regularly throughout Colorado
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
Able to obtain airport badging
Preferred / Nice-to-Have Qualifications
Class A CDL
Digger derrick experience
Street lighting or utility construction background
Concrete finishing experience
Highway, bridge, or large civil project experience
Why Work With Us
Small, hands-on contractor focused on airfield and transportation lighting
Strong history of internal promotion (laborers → operators → leadership)
Long-term mindset-looking for career-minded operators
Company-paid hotels, meals, and drive time for travel
Prevailing-wage and steady seasonal workload
Operators and laborers are frequently paid up when performing higher-skill work
Opportunity to make a visible impact on Colorado airports and infrastructure
Work Environment
Field-based role with travel across Colorado
(Projects include Montrose, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Fort Morgan, La Junta, Holyoke, Monument, and more)
Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
Many jobs occur in restricted-access airfields, requiring crews to remain on-site during the workday
Fast-paced, production-focused environment similar to paving or heavy civil operations
Small crew structure where everyone wears multiple hats and leadership works in the field
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Loveland, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $27.00/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 Loveland,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
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.