Lead Heavy Equipment Operator – Finish/Grade Expert

Sunrock; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

PTO 2 weeks, up to 4

Sign-on bonus

401(k) with match

Full benefits

Safety 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 Durham, NC. This expert role requires 5+ years or 10,000+ hours of heavy equipment experience, and involves grading, trenching, pipe installation, and site preparation with minimal supervision.

You will lead by example, mentor less experienced operators, perform advanced equipment checks, and ensure safety and compliance with OSHA and company policies.

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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Heavy equipment ops

Finish grade

Grade control

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our grading and utility operations team in Durham, NC. This expert role requires 5+ years or 10,000+ hours of heavy equipment experience, and involves grading, trenching, pipe installation, and site preparation with minimal supervision.

You will lead by example, mentor less experienced operators, perform advanced equipment checks, and ensure safety and compliance with OSHA and company policies.