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Grading Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sunrock

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC

Perform precise finish grade and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and civil construction ... Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination * Maintain ...

Sunrock

Heavy Equipment Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Perform precise finish grade and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and civil construction ... Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination * Maintain ...

Sunrock

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Perform precise finish grade and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and civil construction ... Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination * Maintain ...

TT&E Iron & Metal, LLC

Scale Operator

Garner, NC

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Scale Operator Position Summary: The Scale Operator is responsible for accurately weighing inbound ... Material Grading and Inspection: Inspect and identify various types of ferrous and non-ferrous ...

Sunrock

Heavy Equipment Operator

Zebulon, NC

Perform precise finish grade and fine grade work for grading, utilities, and civil construction ... Mentor less experienced operators and assist foremen with on-site coordination * Maintain ...

Garney Construction

General Operator

Apex, NC

$13 - $16.50/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The heavy equipment ...

Garney Construction

General Operator

Cary, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The heavy equipment ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Apex, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Cary, NC

$21.75 - $28/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Apex, NC

$17 - $21.75/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform ...

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

As an operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may ...

Sunrock Industries

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

Perform rough and intermediate grading for site development and utility work * Assist with finish ... Work collaboratively with foremen, operators, and crew members * Follow all OSHA, NCDOT, and ...

Sunrock Industries

Heavy Equipment Operator

Kipling, NC · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

Perform rough and intermediate grading for site development and utility work * Assist with finish ... Work collaboratively with foremen, operators, and crew members * Follow all OSHA, NCDOT, and ...

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All JobsGrading Operator JobsGrading Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Grading Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Grading Operators face, and how can they overcome them?

Grading Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under time pressure and adapting to changing production demands. Staying focused and adhering to quality standards is crucial, as even small errors can impact the final product. Many Grading Operators find it helpful to develop strong attention to detail and communicate regularly with team members to address any issues promptly. Ongoing training and familiarity with grading equipment also play an important role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Grading Operator vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectGrading OperatorQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in grading standardsHigh school diploma, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing plants, manufacturing linesFactories, inspection stations, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood, agricultural, or commodity industriesManufacturing, food processing, industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in product evaluation and sortingCompared for roles focused on quality assurance and defect detection

The main difference is that a Grading Operator primarily assesses and sorts products based on quality standards, while a Quality Control Inspector focuses on inspecting products for defects and ensuring compliance with quality specifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and processing industries but serve different functions in maintaining product standards.

What does a Grading Operator do?

A Grading Operator is responsible for operating machinery that sorts, classifies, or grades products based on size, weight, quality, or other criteria. This role is commonly found in industries like agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. Grading Operators monitor equipment, ensure accurate sorting, and may also perform basic maintenance or troubleshooting. Their work helps ensure that products meet required standards before they move on to the next stage of production or distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Grading Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grading Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, site grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, graders, and GPS or laser-guided control systems is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, precise, and efficient site preparation crucial for construction and infrastructure projects.
What are popular job titles related to Grading Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Grading Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Grading Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Grading Operator job openings:
Grading Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sunrock

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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.