Heavy Equipment Operator

Turner Mining Group; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Mining Group in Yadkinville, NC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support stream restoration projects. This hands-on role involves operating heavy machinery, performing related labor, and working as part of a field crew outdoors.

Requirements include at least 1 year of heavy equipment experience, a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and comfort with variable weather. Overtime and frequent travel are common on active restoration sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience operating excavators, dozers, farm equipment, or similar machinery.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record.
• Ability to read work plans and site plans.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors and crew.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and machinery (track hoes, excavators, dozers) as part of a field crew.
• Perform construction and maintenance work on stream restoration projects.
• Read project plans and site plans, follow specifications.
• Use hand tools and install erosion-control measures.
• Assist with setting up bypass pumps and moving materials.
• Communicate with crew using signals and maintain safety procedures.
• Read, interpret, and follow OSHA requirements and company safety rules.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Track hoes

Excavators

Dozers

Farm equipment

Off-road trucks

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator - Stream Restoration

Position Overview

Location: Yadkinville, NC

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Pay: $25 per hour or higher depending on experience.

We are seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support stream, wetland, and environmental restoration projects. This is a hands‑on field position involving heavy equipment operation, general construction labor, and working as part of a crew in outdoor environments.

The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience and is comfortable working outdoors in mud, heat, cold, and changing weather conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and machinery, including:
• Track hoes
• Excavators
• Dozers
• Farm machinery
• Off‑road trucks
• Perform construction and maintenance work as part of a field crew.
• Assist with the construction, maintenance, and repair of stream restoration projects.
• Read and understand project plans, site plans, and construction specifications.
• Use hand tools and other equipment required to complete field work.
• Install erosion‑control and restoration materials, including:
• Coir matting
• Wooden stakes
• Filter fabric
• Safety fencing
• Silt fencing
• Spread seed and straw as part of site restoration.
• Assist crew members with setting up bypass pumps and other project equipment.
• Load, unload, move, and stage construction materials.
• Prepare jobsites for construction activities.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, including the use of hand signals around equipment.
• Follow OSHA requirements and all applicable company safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience operating equipment such as excavators, dozers, farm equipment, or similar machinery.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to read and understand work‑related documents, construction plans, and site plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and crew members.
• Strong attention to safety and ability to follow instructions.
• Willingness to perform general labor in addition to equipment operation.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Work on uneven, muddy, and difficult terrain.
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
• Regularly use hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and controls.
• Bend, reach, climb, walk, and move quickly when necessary.
• Maintain the coordination, stamina, and manual dexterity required to safely operate equipment and perform field work.
• Remain stationary for extended periods while operating equipment.

Work Environment

This is an outdoor field position. Employees should be comfortable working in:

• Wet and muddy conditions.
• Temperatures above 90°F.
• Temperatures below 32°F.
• Rain, humidity, and changing weather conditions.
• Bright sunlight or limited lighting.
• Loud construction environments.
• Areas around moving equipment and machinery.
• Environments involving vibration and uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience is helpful but not required:

• GPS machine grade control.
• Stream restoration.
• Wetland restoration.
• Site preparation.
• Erosion and sediment control.
• Environmental construction.
• Trade school or technical training.

Schedule & Travel

• Full‑time position.
• Overtime is frequently required.
• Frequent out‑of‑town travel is required.
• Work is primarily performed outdoors at active restoration and construction sites.

Ideal Candidate

This position is a strong fit for someone who enjoys operating equipment, working outdoors, and being part of a hands‑on construction crew. Candidates do not need extensive stream restoration experience, but they should be comfortable working in rugged outdoor conditions and willing to help wherever needed on the project.