Grading - Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

Location: Raleigh–Durham & Surrounding Areas. Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This expert‑level role requires 5+ years of experience or over 10,000 hours operating heavy equipment in civil construction. The HEO 3 operates equipment independently, performs finish and fine grading, and supports complex sitework tasks with minimal supervision.

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

Minimum 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

Skills & Competencies

• 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

Pay

Highly competitive pay is based on skill and certifications, paid weekly. Eligible candidates can receive up to a $1,000 sign‑on bonus for verified experience and can earn extra cash through a $1,