Tips on finding heavy equipment operators with a construction staffing agency
Heavy equipment operators play a vital role in our lives: fixing aging infrastructure, supporting the development of commercial buildings, serving disaster recovery projects and so much more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand for construction equipment operators will grow at a rate of 3% through 2032. That amounts to over 40,000 openings each year over the course of a decade.
For construction companies looking to hire bulldozer operators, backhoe operators, crane operators and other workers, this means the task may be much more difficult. A heavy equipment operator staffing agency, or a construction staffing agency that sources a wide range of tradespeople, can provide valuable support.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades shares our guide to hiring heavy equipment operators, including the benefits of partnering with a staffing agency for your construction staffing needs.
Skills that heavy equipment operators need to succeed
Heavy equipment operators require a combination of trade skills, physical skills and soft skills. Below are some of the key skills and qualities that staffing agencies seek in candidates.
Technical and trade skills
Equipment knowledge and expertise: Heavy equipment operators may use a variety of machinery and equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, front end loaders, excavators and cranes. Their expertise allows them to operate different machinery and ensure that projects are completed successfully.
Attention to detail: Heavy equipment operators need to conduct regular inspections of their equipment to identify any issues or hazards. Additionally, they must monitor their surroundings, making sure to watch for other workers and equipment being used on the jobsite.
Spatial awareness: Workers in this type of role can also benefit from a strong sense of spatial awareness to navigate the jobsite, avoid obstacles and safely operate machinery in confined spaces.
Physical skills
Coordination: Good coordination is crucial for heavy machine operators because they primarily use their hands and feet to operate machines. This enables them to work more effectively, especially in cramped or tight spaces.
Physical strength: Physical strength is important for heavy equipment operators as their work involves managing heavy machinery. This strength helps them operate and maintain equipment properly so they can get the job done right.
Balance and stability: Having these skills is crucial when working on or around heavy machinery to prevent accidents or injuries. This helps ensure a safe and secure work environment for both the operator and those working nearby.
Soft skills
In addition to the trade skills and physical skills needed to get the job done, the following soft skills are beneficial as well:
Safety consciousness: Moving equipment can cause serious accidents involving the operator or other workers, so safety must be a top priority on any jobsite. Heavy equipment operators are responsible for following company standards and protocols as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Problem-solving skills: When facing problems, it’s important for operators to have strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. If they encounter an issue with their equipment, they need to be able to diagnose the issue and find the best solution.
Communication skills: Good communication is crucial in this role as operators typically work as part of a team. It ensures everyone understands project requirements, is aware of potential hazards and can work well together on the jobsite.
The benefits of partnering with a heavy equipment operator staffing agency
With their ample resources and industry expertise, a staffing agency can simplify your hiring process and help find qualified heavy equipment operators who can support your projects. Here are some of the benefits of partnering with a staffing agency:
Industry knowledge and expertise
Heavy equipment operator staffing agencies — or staffing agencies that focus on construction staffing or skilled trades staffing — bring valuable knowledge and insights about the construction industry to the table. They stay up to date on the latest news and trends in the construction industry, which can help them align your staffing strategy with evolving demands. This way you can adjust your future staffing plans, ensuring that you stay ahead of the competition in attracting top talent.
Community relationships to source candidates
Construction staffing agencies that focus on heavy equipment staffing have a broad network of connections in your local community and beyond. This can help you find the right candidates, including heavy equipment operators with the right experience and expertise for your particular projects.
An efficient recruiting and hiring process
Staffing agencies handle the entire recruitment process, including advertising heavy equipment job openings, reviewing applications and conducting interviews. They can tailor their search to find heavy machine operators who meet your specific requirements. This process saves you time and effort by connecting you with qualified tradespeople while you focus on other responsibilities.
Thorough vetting of all candidates
Staffing agencies can conduct skills tests to evaluate the skills and experience of their candidates before they are presented to your company. These skills tests can help ensure that the tradespeople they place are the right fit for your projects. For example, if you need to hire a backhoe operator or bulldozer operator, a staffing agency will identify a candidate with the skills and experience necessary to hit the ground running.
Flexibility for your staffing needs
The construction industry is known for its unpredictability, with factors like weather, material shortages and unexpected project changes impacting deadlines. Staffing agencies can quickly adapt to changing workforce needs, helping you better manage staffing in any situation. Whether you’re looking to hire a bulldozer operator or backhoe operator for short-term projects, or you need ongoing support across a variety of trades, they can connect you with qualified candidates who are available for short- or long-term assignments.
Long-term staffing support
A staffing agency’s role extends beyond addressing your immediate needs. They also offer valuable, ongoing support for future projects. Whether it’s your busy season or you’re looking to fill unexpected vacancies, they can help your company find the workers you need to keep projects on budget and on time. This collaboration ensures your workforce needs are met for your upcoming projects, leading to long-term success.
Questions to ask a heavy equipment operator staffing agency
What sets your staffing agency apart from others?
When considering a construction staffing agency with expertise in heavy equipment operator staffing, this question can provide key insights into how their customers have benefited from their staffing services. Prioritizing staffing agencies with a solid track record of success puts you on the right track to getting quality staffing solutions.
Which types of heavy equipment operators and other tradespeople do you provide?
The ideal staffing agency can offer access to construction equipment operators with the right expertise. For example, maybe you need experienced forklift operators across several locations. No matter what roles you’re looking to fill, a staffing agency should be able to find tradespeople with the skills you require.
How do you source heavy equipment operators and tradespeople for your customers?
Experienced staffing agencies will have relationships that can help them build your workforce. They often have connections with industry associations, trade schools, community groups and veterans’ organizations, making it easier to hire and place workers that meet your needs.
How do you ensure that your tradespeople follow safety regulations?
Safety on the construction site is the most important part of the job, and it should be equally important to your staffing agency. Their tradespeople should have basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and be up to date with their safety training. It’s an added benefit if the staffing agency provides safety certification programs, like OSHA 10 certification, to ensure that all their tradespeople can maintain a safe and secure work environment.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades is here to help you find heavy equipment operators
If you need help with finding heavy equipment operators like bulldozer or backhoe operators for your company, PeopleReady Skilled Trades has you covered. Looking to find crane operators for hire? We’ve got your back. Have all-terrain forklift staffing needs? We can do that too. We also provide excavator operators, front-end loader operators, paving equipment operators and more.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades can also work with you to create a long-term construction staffing plan to help see you through the ups and downs of project changes and busy seasons. All of our tradespeople are vetted so you can rest assured that the workers you receive are reliable, qualified and ready to get the job done.
In addition to heavy equipment operator staffing, we can help you find construction workers across a variety of trades, including welders, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople. So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I find heavy equipment operator staffing near me?” check out our locations page to get started.
