Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to support exceptional tree installation, removal, and relocation services. The position plays a key part in transplanting and installing mature trees, contributing to high-quality tree care across various properties in California.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, and skid steers to support tree installation, removal, and relocation projects.

• Perform precise digging, lifting, and positioning to transplant and install mature trees in accordance with project specifications.

• Assist with tree transplanting activities, including site preparation, root ball handling, and proper placement of trees.

• Follow safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment while operating equipment and working on-site.

• Inspect equipment before and after use to ensure it operates safely and report any issues or needed repairs.

• Work collaboratively with crew members to complete projects efficiently and maintain high standards of workmanship.

• Support general labor tasks related to tree care and site cleanup as needed.

• Adapt to various outdoor job sites, including hotel properties and other commercial locations, while maintaining a professional and safe work approach.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience operating heavy equipment.

• Proven experience operating excavators, backhoes, and skid steers.

• Strong heavy equipment operation skills in outdoor and varied terrain conditions.

• Ability to perform tree transplanting tasks using heavy machinery.

• Capability to handle physically demanding work, including lifting and outdoor labor.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and using personal protective equipment, including hard hat, steel-toed boots, and safety vest.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as a laborer on landscaping, construction, or tree care projects.

• Familiarity with tree installation, removal, and relocation best practices.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a crew in dynamic outdoor environments.

• Strong attention to detail when operating equipment around mature trees and structures.

Why Work Here?

Join a team that has built its reputation over decades by delivering high-quality tree care and exceptional service. You will work on unique and impactful projects, including the installation and relocation of mature trees at notable properties, while developing your skills in a supportive and safety-focused environment. The organization values professionalism, craftsmanship, and long-term commitment, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, visible results in the landscape.

Work Environment

This role is primarily outdoors and involves working on transplanting and installing mature trees at hotel properties and other commercial sites. You will regularly operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, and skid steers on active job sites. The work may include varying weather conditions and uneven terrain. Proper personal protective equipment is required, including a hard hat, steel-toed boots, and a safety vest. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professionalism while working around mature trees and established properties.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA.

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 Riverside,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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.

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.