Heavy Equipment Operator - Dozer / Excavator / Grading

CMES, Inc.; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CMES, Inc. is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators specializing in Dozer and Excavator operations for our Grading Division.

You will work on mass excavation, rough and finish grading, and earthmoving tasks on heavy civil and roadway projects. The role requires operating bulldozers and hydraulic excavators with precision, maintaining elevations and grades, and collaborating with grading crews to meet project specs, schedules, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating bulldozers and/or hydraulic excavators in heavy civil construction.
• Experience in earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation.
• Knowledge of rough grading, finish grading, slope work, and elevation control.
• Ability to understand grading plans, grade stakes, and construction specifications.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations related to excavation and heavy equipment operations.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate bulldozers and hydraulic excavators for earthmoving, grading, and site preparation.
• Perform rough and finish grading, slope grading, and subgrade prep per plans.
• Push, spread, level, and grade soil to required elevations with dozers.
• Excavate mass earthwork, trenching, drainage installation, and material loading.
• Use GPS machine control to maintain elevations and slopes.
• Read grading plans, grade stakes, and site elevations; shoot grades as needed.
• Coordinate with foremen and other operators to meet production schedules.
• Conduct daily inspections and report mechanical issues; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Dozer operation

Excavator operation

Earthwork

Grading plans interpretation

Grading - rough and finish

OSHA safety

GPS machine control

Communication

Tools

Trimble GPS

Topcon GPS

Leica GPS

Job description

We are seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators specializing in Dozer and Excavator operations to join our Grading Division. Ideal candidates will have hands‑on experience in mass excavation, rough grading, finish grading, and earthmoving operations on heavy civil and roadway construction projects.

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy construction equipment to perform earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation activities. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to operate equipment accurately, maintain proper elevations and grades, and work effectively with grading crews to meet project specifications, production goals, and safety standards.

Primary Equipment: Bulldozers (Dozers) and Hydraulic Excavators

Primary Focus: Earthwork, Rough Grading, Finish Grading, Excavation, and Site Development

Essential Job Functions

• Operate bulldozers and hydraulic excavators to perform earthmoving, excavation, grading, and site preparation activities.
• Perform rough grading, finish grading, slope grading, and subgrade preparation according to construction plans and specifications.
• Operate dozers to push, spread, level, and grade soil and other materials to required elevations.
• Operate excavators for mass excavation, trenching, ditch construction, drainage installation, and material loading.
• Utilize GPS machine control systems and grading technology to maintain accurate elevations and slopes.
• Read and interpret grading plans, construction drawings, grade stakes, and site elevations.
• Shoot grades and perform basic construction calculations to verify elevations, slopes, and grade requirements.
• Identify soil conditions and classifications to support safe and efficient excavation and grading operations.
• Coordinate with foremen, superintendents, grade checkers, and other equipment operators to maintain production schedules.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues.
• Follow OSHA excavation requirements, jobsite safety procedures, and company equipment operating standards.
• Assist with other heavy civil construction activities and equipment operations as needed.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience operating bulldozers and/or hydraulic excavators in heavy civil construction.
• Experience in earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation.
• Knowledge of rough grading, finish grading, slope work, and elevation control.
• Ability to understand grading plans, grade stakes, and construction specifications.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations related to excavation and heavy equipment operations.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, or similar dozers and excavators.
• Experience with GPS machine control systems such as Trimble, Topcon, or Leica.
• Experience on GDOT, roadway, highway, or large‑scale site development projects.
• Ability to shoot grades and interpret civil construction drawings.
• Experience with motor graders, loaders, rollers, or other grading equipment is a plus.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Dozer and Excavator Proficiency
• Rough and Finish Grading
• Earthwork and Excavation
• GPS Machine Control
• Construction Plan Interpretation
• Safety Awareness
• Productivity and Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork and Communication

Work Environment

This position requires working outdoors on active heavy civil and highway construction sites in varying weather conditions. Employees will regularly work around heavy machinery, moving equipment, uneven terrain, dust, noise, and vibration.

All employees must follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely climb into and out of heavy equipment.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating dozers and excavators.
• Ability to use hand and foot controls for prolonged periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb as required.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as required, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate.
• Adequate vision, depth perception, and coordination to safely operate heavy equipment.

Join the CMES Team

At CMES, Inc., we are looking for dependable, safety‑conscious, and skilled Heavy Equipment Operators who take pride in their work.

If you have experience operating dozers or excavators and a strong background in grading and earthwork, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing Heavy Civil Construction team.

CMES, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.