Heavy Equipment Operator – Earthwork & Grading

Black River Contracting; South Dakota; On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Black River Contracting is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to support earthwork, grading, and underground utility projects across Western South Dakota. This role operates heavy machinery safely and efficiently while maintaining production standards and jobsite quality.

Responsibilities include operating excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, skid steers, rollers, and haul trucks; performing mass and fine grading, trenching, and site prep; reading grade stakes and basic plans; and

Qualifications

• 2+ years heavy equipment operating experience (civil/site preferred).
• Ability to read plans and understand grade control.
• Experience with GPS machine control preferred.
• Valid driver's license (CDL preferred but not required).
• Strong awareness of jobsite safety and underground utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, skid steers, rollers, and haul trucks.
• Perform mass grading, fine grading, trenching, backfilling, and site prep.
• Read grade stakes, cut/fill sheets, and basic construction plans.
• Maintain proper slope, compaction, and elevation tolerances.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Work closely with pipe crews and project foremen to maintain schedule.
• Follow safety standards and jobsite protocols.

Skills

Equipment operation

Plan reading

GPS control

CDL preferred

Safety awareness

Job description

Black River Contracting is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to support earthwork, grading, and underground utility projects across Western South Dakota. This role operates heavy machinery safely and efficiently while maintaining production standards and jobsite quality.

Responsibilities include operating excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, skid steers, rollers, and haul trucks; performing mass and fine grading, trenching, and site prep; reading grade stakes and basic plans; and