Heavy Equipment Operator Level 3

1K Sign-On Bonus Opportunity

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.

Key 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

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
• 8 paid holidays start 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.

Apply today to put your fine grading skills to work on projects that shape North Carolina’s future.

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 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. 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.