Grading - Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Raleigh–Durham & Surrounding Areas

About The Role

Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) 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 HEO 3 is expected to operate equipment independently, perform finish and fine grading, and support 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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• Highly competitive pay based on skill and certifications, paid weekly
• 2 weeks of PTO, increases up to 4 weeks with service
• 8 paid holidays starting on day 1
• 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

Schedule

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.

Guaranteed Time: You must be employed for 90 days to be eligible for assured time.

• Between March 15th and December 15th, employees are assured 24 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time.
• Between December 15th and March 15th, employees are assured 40 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time.