Entry-Level Heavy Equipment Operator
Top Tier Grading Company | Baraboo, Wisconsin
About Top Tier Grading Company
Top Tier Grading Company is a growing grading and excavation company focused on doing the highest-quality work possible while operating efficiently and safely.
We are equipped with modern GPS-integrated equipment and continue to invest in new technology, training, and education as the industry evolves. Our team brings years of experience from many areas of the construction industry, and we take pride in going the extra mile on every project.
Our typical scope of work includes site clearing, mass earthwork, site development, building and basement excavation, and site utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer. While the majority of our work is commercial, we also take on select residential projects.
As our company continues to grow, we're looking to add another member to our team who is interested in learning the trade and building a career in the grading and excavation industry.
The Position
We're looking for an Entry-Level Heavy Equipment Operator who is motivated to learn, willing to work hard, and interested in developing their skills as a construction equipment operator.
Your primary responsibility will be operating a haul truck and small equipment, but this position is not limited to one machine. As you gain experience and demonstrate your ability, you'll have opportunities to learn and operate other equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, rollers, and other equipment used throughout our projects.
Previous heavy equipment experience is preferred, but it is not required.
We're willing to train the right person.
We're looking for someone with a good attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn. You don't need to know everything coming into this position. What matters most is that you're dependable, take direction, pay attention, and want to get better.
What You'll Do
-
Primarily operate off-road haul trucks to safely and efficiently move material on job sites.
-
Learn to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, rollers, and other equipment as needed.
-
Assist experienced operators and crew members with grading, excavation, and site work.
-
Work as part of a crew to complete projects safely, efficiently, and to the quality standards expected by Top Tier.
-
Perform manual labor and other job-site tasks when equipment operation is not required.
-
Learn to read and understand construction plans and drawings.
-
Learn how to establish and maintain proper grades, elevations, slopes, and offsets.
-
Learn to operate Topcon GPS-integrated machine-control systems.
-
Learn to use a grade laser and other construction tools.
-
Learn to recognize different soil types and understand how they affect grading and excavation.
-
Communicate effectively with operators, foremen, laborers, and other crew members.
-
Perform basic equipment maintenance, including greasing equipment and checking fluid levels.
-
Help keep equipment and work areas clean, organized, and in good working condition.
-
Assist the utility crew and other company crews as needed.
-
Follow all company and job-site safety requirements.
-
Be willing to learn and eventually take on additional equipment and responsibilities as your skills develop.
What This Role Is — and Isn't
-
We don't expect an entry-level operator to walk in knowing how to run every machine or understand every part of a construction project.
-
This is a position where you'll be taught.
-
You'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced operators and crew members, learn how our equipment and projects work, and gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop.
-
We do expect you to show up, work hard, listen, ask questions, and learn from the people around you.
-
If you make a mistake, learn from it.
-
If you don't know how to do something, ask.
-
If you see something that needs to be done, help get it done.
-
We're looking for someone who wants to become a skilled operator—not someone who is simply looking for a job.
Who We're Looking For
The right person is:
-
Dependable and willing to work.
-
Motivated to learn a skilled trade.
-
Comfortable working outdoors in a physically demanding environment.
-
Willing to operate different types of equipment as they gain experience.
-
Able to take direction and apply what they're taught.
-
A good communicator and team player.
-
Safety-minded.
-
Detail-oriented.
-
Self-motivated and willing to stay productive.
-
Flexible and willing to help wherever needed.
-
Comfortable performing manual labor when required.
-
Someone who takes pride in doing a good job.
-
Someone who wants to build a long-term career in construction.
Experience
Previous heavy equipment experience is preferred but not required.
Experience in construction, landscaping, farming, trucking, equipment operation, or other hands-on work is a plus.
Commercial landscaping experience is preferred.
A Class A CDL is preferred but not required. We are willing to work with the right candidate who is interested in obtaining one.
A valid driver's license is required.
Where We Work
Our shop is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the majority of our projects are located within approximately an hour of our shop.
Our typical service area stretches from the Wisconsin Dells and Mauston area toward Madison and into the Dousman and Waukesha areas.
The majority of our work is concentrated in Dane County and the surrounding areas.
Compensation & Benefits
Starting pay is based on experience.
This is a full-time position with opportunities for increased pay as your skills, responsibilities, and performance develop.
Our benefits package includes:
-
Health insurance
-
Dental insurance
-
Vision insurance
-
401(k)
-
401(k) matching
-
Life insurance
-
Paid time off
-
Paid travel time
-
Paid holidays
-
Weekly pay
-
Potential for increased pay based on performance
Benefits are available after the applicable waiting period.
Top Tier Grading Company is a merit shop, and compensation is based on individual performance, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to get your foot in the door with a growing grading and excavation company and learn from experienced people while working with modern equipment and technology.
We're not just looking for someone to drive a haul truck.
We want to develop people who can eventually operate multiple types of equipment, understand grading and excavation, work independently, and become valuable members of our crews.
If you're someone who enjoys working outside, likes equipment, wants to learn, and takes pride in doing things right, we'd like to talk to you.