sign up here.

Full time

Heavy Equipment Operator — Motor Grader (Damascus, VA)

Damascus, VA $21-$36/hr

About this role

Experienced heavy equipment operators are needed in and around Damascus, VA to run motor graders for finish and fine grading work. This role focuses on precise slope control and producing smooth, final surfaces on civil and paving projects. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years operating heavy equipment with strong motor grader skills. Daily per diem and travel/lodging support are provided for crews working away from home. Expect project-based schedules, hands-on work, and a safety-first site environment.

What you'll do

  • Operate motor graders for finish/fine grading to achieve accurate slopes and smooth final surfaces
  • Read grade stakes, plans, and stringlines; set and maintain grade and slope control
  • Perform pre- and post-shift equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance
  • Coordinate with foreman and spotters to sequence work and maintain site safety
  • Monitor material placement and compaction to meet job specifications
  • Report equipment issues, site hazards, and job progress to supervision

What we're looking for

  • Minimum 5+ years heavy equipment operating experience with proven motor grader finish-grading skills
  • Hands-on experience with grader operation and familiarity with dozers, loaders, excavators, skid steers, and dump trucks
  • Able to read and follow grade stakes, plans, and simple survey indicators
  • Able to perform routine equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting
  • Reliable transportation to and from Damascus, VA project sites and availability for project-based assignments
  • Willingness to follow site safety rules and complete required site orientation

Qualifications

  • Valid driver's license and reliable work attendance
  • Minimum 5 years operating motor graders and other heavy equipment
  • Ability to pass drug/alcohol screening and background checks as required
  • Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather and on uneven terrain
  • Basic English communication to follow instructions and safety directives
  • OSHA 10 or equivalent safety training preferred; equipment-specific certifications a plus

What we offer

  • Daily per diem provided while working on project sites
  • Travel and lodging support for out-of-town assignments
  • Project-based steady work with consistent assignments
  • Site-provided PPE and equipment support
  • Overtime opportunities when project demands require

Ready to apply?

Build your profile. Sam gets you in front of contractors hiring for your trade.

Jobs find you

Skillit connects craft workers directly with contractors hiring for your trade. No resumes, no chasing listings. Build your profile once and let jobs find you.

  • Get discovered automatically: Contractors search for talent like you every day.
  • No more chasing listings: Skillit surfaces your profile when a job matches your skills and certs.
  • Sam does the legwork: Your craft hiring assistant works 24/7 to connect you with active hiring contractors.