Dozer Operator - Team Lead

Turner Mining Group; Front Royal, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group is seeking a GPS Dozer Operator / Team Lead in Front Royal, VA for a direct placement position. You will lead from the cab and on-site, operating CAT dozers and using Trimble GPS to set up and verify 3D site models while directing field crews to deliver mass earthwork on time and on grade.

The role requires 4+ years of heavy dozer operation, 2+ years with Trimble GPS, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of heavy dozer operation experience, preferably civil earthwork and site development.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience using Trimble GPS-guided systems including grade layout.
• 2+ years of leadership experience directing site crews and daily field workflows.
• Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification (OSHA 30 desired).

Responsibilities

• Operate CAT dozers for mass excavation, fine grading, subgrade prep, and site setup.
• Set up Trimble GPS base stations/rovers, lay out grade stakes, verify DTMs against plans, troubleshoot grade adjustments.
• Lead site crews, delegate daily tasks, maintain progress and productivity.
• Complete daily equipment logs and track site production, hours, and delays (HeavyJob or similar).
• Coordinate with crew and safety leads to enforce zero-accident day.

Skills

Leadership experience

Experience with heavy equipment

Safety leadership

Tools

Trimble GPS

HeavyJob

CAT dozers

Job description

GPS Dozer Operator / Team Lead

Location: Front Royal, VA

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Fleet: CAT D3, D5/DK, D6K, D6 XE, D8 Dozers

Reports To: Project Lead

About the Role

Are you an experienced dozer operator who knows Trimble 3D GPS inside and out and thrives in a leadership role? We are seeking a GPS Dozer Operator / Team Lead for a direct placement position with one of our top civil earthwork clients.

In this role, you'll lead from the cab and on the ground- running high-production Caterpillar iron, setting up and verifying 3D site models, and directing field crews to complete mass earthwork projects on time and on grade.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Grading & Earthmoving: Operate a full spectrum of CAT dozers (D3, D6K, D5/DK, D6 XE Electric Drive, and D8) for mass excavation, fine grading, subgrade preparation, and site setup.
• Trimble GPS & Model Verification: Set up Trimble GPS base stations/rovers, lay out grade stakes, verify digital terrain models against plans, and troubleshoot grade adjustments on the fly.
• Crew Leadership & Coordination: Serve as a working Team Lead - directing site personnel, delegating daily tasks, keeping work moving efficiently, and reporting progress to the Project Lead.
• Production Tracking & Daily Logs: Complete daily equipment logs and track site production quantities, equipment hours, and delays using HeavyJob or daily log software.
• Auxiliary Equipment Operation: Step into support iron when needed, including skid steers, rollers and track loaders to keep operations fluid.
• Jobsite Safety: Lead daily safety briefings (toolbox talks) and enforce zero-compromise safety protocols

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: 4+ years of heavy dozer operation required (preferably focused on civil earthwork and site development).
• GPS Expertise: 2+ years of hands-on experience utilizing Trimble GPS-guided systems, including model verification and grade layout.
• Leadership Background: 2+ years of experience leading site crews and managing daily field workflows.
• Certifications: Valid Driver's License and OSHA 10 Certification required (willingness to obtain OSHA 30 is required).
• Reporting & Tech Proficiency: Familiarity with HeavyJob or electronic daily project logging tools.
• Machine Versatility: Competency across small-to-large dozers (CAT D3 to D8) and basic support iron (skid steers/rollers).