Heavy Equipment Operator - Highway Grinder (Nationwide Travel Required)

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Various
Reports to:  Field Superintendent
Employment Status: Full-time (Non-exempt)
Salary Range: $30 - $31 per hour, depending on experience
Other Compensation & Benefits:  Health Insurance, Dental Insurance (100% employer paid), Life Insurance (100% employer paid), Profit sharing, 401(k), ESOP Retirement

About Diamond Surface, Inc.
Diamond Surface, Inc. is a Minnesota-based heavy-highway contractor with more than 35 years of experience specializing in concrete grinding, grooving, repair, and sealing. We are proud to be recognized as a  Best Contractor in Construction and are known nationwide for setting the standard for quality, innovation, and professionalism in our field. We are a rapidly growing, team-oriented organization that believes our success starts with hiring and supporting exceptional people. In 2024, we became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company — meaning every eligible employee has an ownership stake in the business. As an ESOP, we are deeply committed to creating long-term financial benefits for our team, strengthening our culture of collaboration, and ensuring that the hard work of our employees directly contributes to their own financial future.

As a growing, team-oriented company, we’re looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator for our Highway Grinder to join our crew.

Role Purpose

Safely and efficiently operate Diamond Surface’s highway grinder to meet production, quality, and safety expectations while representing the company professionally at job sites across the United States.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Operate a large grinding machine equipped with multiple diamond blades; adjust grinding settings using machine controls.
• Transport Highway Grinder using a Class A CDL (tanker endorsement also required).
• Maintain constant situational awareness of crew and jobsite activity.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections; identify issues and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic logs (ELogs) and documentation.
• Participate in ongoing safety, equipment, and operational training.
• Work extended hours, various shifts, and travel extensively (weeks to months).
• Support yard days and perform additional tasks as needed.

Success Metrics (within first 3 months)

• Able to operate Highway Grinder independently with minimal supervision after training.
• Maintain compliance with DOT, ELog, and safety standards.
• Equipment downtime minimized through proactive maintenance and reporting.
• Positive feedback from crew leaders regarding communication and situational awareness.
• Demonstrates reliability in travel, shift flexibility, and jobsite professionalism.

Required Competencies

• Some mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and team awareness.
• Ability to make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.
• High level of coordination and attention to detail.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

(General duties; not all-inclusive)

• Drive and operate the Highway Grinder safely and efficiently.
  • Including driving it in and out of traffic closures on highways/interstates.
• Adjust machine settings using lever and control systems to achieve required grind depths.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections as required by DOT compliance; report mechanical issues promptly.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and assist with minor repairs.
• Ensure safe mobilization of the grinder using CDL A tractor-trailer.
• Communicate effectively with team members and understand field crew positioning at all times.
• Maintain ELogs, jobsite paperwork, and daily production reporting.
• Participate in yard days and support other company needs or tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience operating heavy machinery (excavators, backhoes, loaders, etc.).
• Valid Class A CDL with tanker endorsement.
• Ability to maintain DOT-compliant ELogs.
• Problem-solving skills in challenging or dynamic situations.
• Mechanical ability to troubleshoot and assist with equipment repairs.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical expectations of this role include:

• Frequent standing, walking, and use of hands/arms to operate machinery and tools.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more as needed for equipment handling.
• Ability to climb, crawl, or work on/around machinery as essential to inspections and repairs.
• Visual abilities including distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to remain with equipment for extended periods and work long shifts.

All physical requirements are directly related to essential job tasks performed in active construction environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions, temperature extremes, and varying jobsite environments.
• Noise levels requiring proper PPE.
• Extensive travel—often weeks to months at a time.
• Ability to work day, night, or rotating shifts depending on project needs.
• Primary shop location: Big Lake, MN.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance – Multiple Options
• Dental Insurance – Employer-paid
• Life Insurance – Employer-paid
• Significant weekly overtime
• 401(k) Retirement
• ESOP: Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Home for the holidays
• Company-paid hotel rooms
• Weekly per diem
• Company apparel
• Paid referral program
• Year-end bonuses
• CDL training program available

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and travel availability.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and federal law regarding employment discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact us.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility, or activity required of the employee. Duties may change at any time with or without notice based on project or operational needs.