Grading - Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator

Sunrock Industries; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Paid weekly

PTO 2 weeks (increases)

Full benefits package

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Sunrock Industries is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III to join our grading and utility operations team in the Raleigh–Durham region. This expert-level role requires 5+ years of experience or over 10,000 hours operating heavy equipment in civil construction.

The HEO 3 operates independently, performs finish and fine grading, and supports complex sitework tasks with minimal supervision. We offer competitive pay, PTO, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years OR 10,000+ hours of heavy equipment operation in grading or utility construction.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment at an expert level (excavators, dozers, motor graders, loaders, skid steers, trenching equipment).
• Perform precise finish and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and sitework.
• Interpret grade stakes, GPS grade control, cut/fill, and slope tolerances.
• Execute trenching, backfilling, pipe installation, and complex site preparation.
• Lead by example in production, quality, and safety.
• Perform advanced equipment checks, troubleshooting, and basic repairs.
• Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA/NCDOT/company policies.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Finish grade

GPS grade control

Blueprint reading

Independent work

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

1K Sign-On Bonus Opportunity
Location: Raleigh–Durham & Surrounding Areas
About The Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level role requiring 5+ years of experience OR over 10,000 hours operating heavy equipment in civil construction. The HEO 3 is expected to operate equipment independently, perform finish and fine grading, and support complex sitework tasks with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment at an expert level: excavators, dozers, motor graders, loaders, skid steers, and trenching equipment
• Perform precise finish grade and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and civil construction projects
• Interpret grade stakes, GPS grade control, cut/fill requirements, and slope tolerances
• Execute trenching, backfilling, pipe installation, and complex site preparation
• Lead by example in production, quality, and safety
• Perform advanced equipment checks, troubleshooting, and basic repairs
• Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination
• Maintain compliance with OSHA / NCDOT / company policies

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years OR 10,000+ hours of heavy equipment operation in grading and/or utility construction
• Proven ability to perform finish grade and fine grade work accurately
• Strong understanding of elevations, slopes, blueprints, and grade control
• Ability to operate multiple types of equipment at a high skill level
• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced machine control and precision work
• Strong decision-making and situational awareness
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to mentor and guide other operators or laborers
• Strong communication and leadership presence
• High-level understanding of project sequencing and production expectations

What We Offer

• Highly competitive pay is based on skill and certifications, paid weekly
• 2 weeks of PTO, Increases up to 4 weeks with service
• 8 paid holidays start on day 1
• Guaranteed 40 hours (Winter)
• Up to $1000 sign on bonus for verified experience
• Ability to earn extra cash with $1000 referral program
• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Disability and other benefits that pay CASH directly to you
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Safety Incentive Program
• Apprenticeship and Lead/Foreman Development Programs
• Well-maintained modern equipment.

Apply today to put your fine grading skills to work on projects that shape North Carolina’s future.Job Locations: Employees are expected to have their own transportation to the jobsite and be there by starting time. Start time may be adjusted due to seasons, job type, or schedule. Typically, this is 7 AM. Sunrock hires and places new hires based off open positions needed on our crews. Sunrock cannot guarantee that employees will work close to where they live. Nor can we make changes to our crews to accommodate such requests.Guaranteed Time: You must be employed for 90 days to be eligible for assured time. Between March 15th and December 15th, employees are assured 24 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time. Between December 15th and March 15th, employees are assured 40 hours. Again, employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time. Sunrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, citizen status, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law. Sunrock Industries is not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiting firms. If you are an agency or search firm representative, please contact Sunrock Industries Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] for consideration prior to submitting candidates. Sunrock Industries and its affiliates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes and online response forms submitted through this source. In addition, Sunrock Industries and its affiliates will not be responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes submitted to any employee, hiring manager, or member of the Sunrock Industries team. Sunrock Industries maintains an approved vendor list for recruiting services and will only consider candidate submissions from approved firms when Sunrock has specifically engaged the firm to assist with a search for designated roles. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from firms not engaged by Sunrock do not create any obligation on the part of Sunrock Industries to pay placement fees.