Heavy Equipment Operator, Certified; UNION - NSS

Job Overview

Nova Space Solutions (NSS) is seeking a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator to support NASA operations. This position operates a variety of heavy equipment used in construction, excavation, road maintenance, material handling, and site development. The successful candidate will safely operate and perform basic field maintenance on assigned equipment while supporting construction, maintenance, and infrastructure projects.

Essential

Job Duties:

• Operate heavy equipment including cranes, derricks, bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, front‑end loaders, trenchers, pile drivers, rollers, concrete mixers, asphalt distributors, draglines, dump trucks, cargo trucks, and related equipment
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, land clearing, paving, drainage maintenance, railroad maintenance, landfill operations, and material handling activities
• Load, transport, and position materials, equipment, and supplies
• Conduct pre‑operational inspections and monitor the operating condition of assigned equipment, including tires, tracks, hydraulic systems, and safety devices
• Perform basic field maintenance and take corrective action during equipment malfunctions when appropriate
• Serve as a qualified rigger and utilize standard industry hand signals during lifting operations
• Support safe lifting and material movement activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely operate heavy equipment in support of construction, maintenance, and infrastructure projects
• Perform equipment inspections and basic field maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Support excavation, grading, material handling, road maintenance, and utility installation activities
• Follow established safety procedures, rigging practices, and industry hand signals
• Work collaboratively with construction crews, supervisors, and other trades to complete assigned work
• Maintain required certifications and comply with applicable safety and operational requirements

Mandatory:

• Safely operate heavy equipment in support of construction, maintenance, and infrastructure projects
• Perform equipment inspections and basic field maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Support excavation, grading, material handling, road maintenance, and utility installation activities
• Follow established safety procedures, rigging practices, and industry hand signals
• Work collaboratively with construction crews, supervisors, and other trades to complete assigned work
• Maintain required certifications and comply with applicable safety and operational requirements

Preferred:

• Experience supporting NASA, Federal, or government contractor environments
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL), if applicable
• Experience operating cranes, rigging equipment, and specialty heavy equipment
• Experience supporting civil construction, utilities, road maintenance, or industrial operations

• Work performed in outdoor construction, industrial, and operational environments
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, vibration, heavy equipment, varying weather conditions, and moving machinery
• Occasional exposure to elevated work areas and excavation sites

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Dexterity to operate office equipment as required by the position

Chugach Government Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic factors, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Chugach will provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Chugach Government Solutions or any of its subsidiaries, please

Chugach Government Solutions supports pay transparency and is committed to equitable and competitive compensation practices. Compensation for this role will be determined based on factors including job responsibilities, experience, skills, internal equity, geographic location, and applicable contract requirements. Where required by law, compensation ranges will be provided to candidates during the hiring process.