Fine Grade Operator

Job Title:
Fine Grade Equipment Operator

This role involves operating heavy equipment on pipe and grade crews to support civil construction projects. You will perform excavation, trenching, rough and fine grading, and related site work using Caterpillar dozers, excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment.

• Operate excavators and dozers safely and efficiently on active construction sites.
• Excavate trenches with excavators for the installation of pipe, storm water lines, and related utilities.
• Perform rough and fine grading using loaders, excavators, and dozers to meet project specifications.
• Carry out civil site work including excavation, grading, clearing, back filling, and remediation activities.
• Use heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and other HEO (heavy equipment operator) machinery to complete assigned tasks.
• Follow grade stakes, GPS, or other guidance systems to achieve accurate grades and slopes.
• Support pipe crews by preparing trenches and back filling after pipe installation.
• Maintain awareness of site conditions and work closely with ground personnel to ensure safe operations.
• Inspect equipment daily and report any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and regulations on civil construction projects.

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience operating heavy Caterpillar equipment, including dozers and excavators.
• Proven experience installing pipe, storm water lines, and similar underground utilities.
• Demonstrated rough grading experience on civil construction or commercial projects.
• History in commercial construction environments.
• Strong heavy equipment operation skills, including excavation, grading, and back filling.
• Ability to operate excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Experience working on civil site and civil construction projects.
• Ability to perform both rough and fine grade work to specification.
• Familiarity with using GPS or similar systems for grading and layout.
• Knowledge of safe construction practices and equipment operation procedures.

• Experience with remediation and site clearing activities.
• Ability to read and follow grade stakes or layout directions from supervisors or project leads.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with pipe crews, grade crews, and other site personnel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high safety standards.
• Reliability and flexibility to work extended hours when required by project schedules.
• Comfort working across multiple project locations within a regional area.

You will join a stable construction organization that invests in its employees through comprehensive benefits and long-term financial support. The company offers a 401(k) plan with employee stock options, helping you build future financial security. Health insurance is supported with 50% of the premium paid by the employer, and additional coverage includes dental, vision, and life insurance. You can grow your skills on diverse civil and commercial projects while working with modern heavy equipment in a safety-focused environment.

This is a field-based role on active construction sites, working primarily on civil and commercial projects in the Williamsburg, Hampton, and Newport News area. Typical workweeks range from 40 to 60 hours, depending on weather and project demands. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. You will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain while operating heavy equipment such as Caterpillar dozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes, often using GPS or similar systems for grading.

The environment is fast-paced, safety-focused, and highly collaborative, with close coordination between pipe crews, grade crews, and other construction personnel. Appropriate workwear and safety gear suitable for construction sites are required.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Toano, VA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00…