Heavy Equipment Operator � Grading

Sunrock; Kittrell (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

PTO 2 weeks (up to 4)

Sign-on bonus

Referral program

Full benefits

401(k) match

Safety incentive program

Training & development

Modern equipment

Job summary

Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our grading and utility operations team in North Carolina. This expert role requires 5+ years or over 10,000 hours operating heavy equipment and involves finishing grade work, interpreting grade control, and leading on site with minimal supervision.

You will operate excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, and trenchers, perform precise grading, mentor junior operators, and ensure safety and compliance on complex site work.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, dozers, motor graders, loaders, skid steers, and trenching equipment at expert level.
• Perform precise finish and fine grade work for grading and utilities on civil projects.
• Interpret grade stakes, GPS grade control, cut/fill, and slope tolerances.
• Execute trenching, backfilling, pipe installation, and site preparation.
• Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA / NCDOT / company policies.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Finish grade

Grade control

Multiple equipment types

Independent worker

Leadership presence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator 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 Heavy Equipment Operator 3 is expected to operate equipment independently, perform finish and fine grading, and support complex sitework tasks with minimal supervision.

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

Required Skills & Abilities:

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

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
• 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.

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 15 th and December 15 th , employees are assured 24 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time. Between December 15th and March 15 th , 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.