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Grading Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid ... Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across ...

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid ... Civil/Site Grading AND Many More! We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across ...

Backfill Operator

Apex, NC

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill 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 ...

Backfill Operator

Cary, NC

$21.75 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill 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 ...

Backfill Operator

Apex, NC

$17 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill 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 ...

Backfill Operator

Chapel Hill, NC

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill 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 ...

Backfill Operator

Raleigh, NC

$19 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill 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 ...

General Operator

Cary, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Heavy Equipment Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The heavy ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Chapel Hill, NC

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... grading, preparing soil, and planting. Additional Duties * Due to the dynamic nature of the club ... A minimum of 1 year of experience operating equipment in a golf course or landscaping environment.

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... grading, preparing soil, and planting. Additional Duties * Due to the dynamic nature of the club ... A minimum of 1 year of experience operating equipment in a golf course or landscaping environment.

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... grading, preparing soil, and planting. Additional Duties * Due to the dynamic nature of the club ... A minimum of 1 year of experience operating equipment in a golf course or landscaping environment.

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... grading, preparing soil, and planting. Additional Duties * Due to the dynamic nature of the club ... A minimum of 1 year of experience operating equipment in a golf course or landscaping environment.

Showing results 41-60

Grading Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Grading Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Grading Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Heavy Equipment Operator will assist in the clearing and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. This position works at various locations. The position may also be required to travel to another state depending on customer demands.

Essential Functions:

  • Work safely while performing civil, matting, or forestry related clearance work.
  • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor.
  • Understand proper use of company radio.
  • Understand operation of heavy equipment.
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools.
  • Capable of receiving and following directions.
  • Capable of learning basic knowledge of materials used in line work.
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work.
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces.
  • Understand flag and tag procedures.
  • Capable of properly inspecting PPE (personnel protective equipment).
  • Understand when to wear personnel protective equipment.
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work.
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather.
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job.

Minimum Requirements:

  • 3+ years of minimum experience operating equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, skid steers, or forestry equipment such as logging, mulching, or tree trimming.
  • Able to read and communicate effectively in English.
  • Bilingual (Spanish / English) a plus.
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required.
  • Readily join storm restoration efforts in times of need.
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required.
  • Able to lift in excess of 50 lbs.
  • Able to properly inspect rubber goods and PPE.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

  • Able to manage multiple tasks and provide leadership to other team members.
  • Must be able to follow Company safety rules and all other Company policies.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle to feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. This position is performed in outside weather conditions.

Competencies:

  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Responsible
  • Trustworthy
  • Ethical
  • Honest
  • Punctual
  • Excellent communication skills

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled

Burford's Construction is a Non-Union Company
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.

Those services include:

  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.


Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.

Those services include:

  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.