Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description The Operator performs highly skilled work involving the operation of heavy construction equipment and specialized tools used in system maintenance, repair, and installation. The position requires proficiency in reading and interpreting maps, drawings, survey data, elevations, and grades to ensure proper alignment, slope, and hydraulic flow within the collection systems. The role involves advanced subsurface excavation, pipe installation, and open-cut repair of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure at varying depths and site conditions. This position also requires sound judgment, technical precision, and the application of safety practices, often serving as a crew leader in coordinating work efforts and ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards. Responsibilities + Operate heavy construction equipment and specialized tools for system maintenance, repair, and installation. + Perform advanced subsurface excavation and pipe installation. + Conduct open-cut repair of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure at varying depths and site conditions. + Read and interpret maps, drawings, survey data, elevations, and grades. + Ensure proper alignment, slope, and hydraulic flow within the collection systems. + Serve as a crew leader to coordinate work efforts and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards. Essential Skills + High school diploma or equivalent. + Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A (preferred) or Class B with required endorsements. + Extensive experience in operating a variety of heavy construction and specialized equipment in stormwater/wastewater or related field. + Advanced understanding of hydrology and hydraulics as applied to field operations. + Proficient computer skills, including use of business and work asset software, work order systems, and proprietary applications. + Knowledge of GIS maps for utility location and asset identification. + Strong verbal and written communication skills. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Leadership and communication skills for providing training and collaborating with diverse teams. + Demonstrated customer service orientation. + Ability to integrate technical data and inspection results into planning, repair, and maintenance decisions. Work Environment Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under various environmental conditions. Assignments require cross-training in multiple functional areas, specifically in the collections system realm. The role involves frequent exposure to hazardous waste, household waste, traffic hazards, heavy equipment, massive structures and materials, noise, dust, and extreme weather. Confined space entry is required on occasion, with strict adherence to safety protocols. There is a lot of room for growth and yearly raises, with the potential to work with large teams and progress into a supervisory role. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $24.04 - $26.44/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 Richmond,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 18, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.