Make your impact on South Carolina!
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on your community? At J.C. Wilkie Construction, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re shaping the future of South Carolina! As a leading, privately owned company specializing in water and sewer installation, storm drainage, and roadway construction, we’re on a thrilling growth trajectory, and we want YOU to be a part of it!
Why choose us? Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that come with being a member of our team:
- Safety First: Your well-being is our top priority.
- Health Coverage: Your health matters to us. That's why the company covers more than 80% of employee medical insurance costs.
- Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid life insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays to recharge and enjoy life.
- Secure Your Future: Our 401(k) plan includes a generous match—100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%.
- Profit Sharing: Share in the success of our company!
We can't wait to meet you and share the exciting opportunities that await at J.C. Wilkie Construction. Let’s build something great together!
The Rough Grade Apprentice is an entry-level construction position responsible for assisting with site preparation, earthmoving, and rough grading activities on site development and civil construction projects. This role is designed for individuals with little or no construction experience who are interested in building a career in heavy civil and site development construction.
Under the direct supervision of Foremen, Equipment Operators, and Superintendents, the Rough Grade Apprentice performs general labor duties while learning earthwork operations, site grading practices, construction safety requirements, and equipment support functions. The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, perform physical labor, follow instructions, and develop the skills necessary to advance within the company.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist rough grading crews with site development and earthmoving operations.
- Perform general labor tasks in support of grading, excavation, and site preparation activities.
- Assist with site clearing, grubbing, and removal of debris and vegetation.
- Load, unload, transport, and organize tools, materials, and equipment.
- Assist equipment operators with grade checking, material placement, and job site preparation.
- Learn how to identify grade stakes, utility markings, and survey controls.
- Operate hand tools and small power tools safely and effectively.
- Install and maintain erosion control measures as directed.
- Assist with roadway, building pad, drainage, and utility corridor construction activities.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas.
- Work safely around heavy equipment, excavation operations, and active construction sites.
- Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
- Attend safety meetings, training programs, and apprenticeship activities.
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment concerns to supervisors immediately.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- No prior construction experience required.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Reliable transportation to and from project sites.
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Willingness to learn site development and grading operations.
- Commitment to working safely and following company policies.
- Achieve and consistently demonstrate proficiency in all required competencies within the first 1–3 years in the role.
- Maintain safety performance standards, including no preventable accidents, injuries, or equipment damage.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in construction, landscaping, farming, warehouse work, or general labor.
- OSHA 10 certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- Interest in pursuing a long-term career in site development construction.
Performance Expectations
- Achieve and consistently demonstrate proficiency in all required competencies within the first 1–3 years in the role.
- Maintain safety performance standards, including no preventable accidents, equipment damage or injuries.
- Maintain satisfactory conduct and performance, with no disciplinary notices issued within the previous 12 months.
- Demonstrate leadership by assisting with crew coordination and training of less experienced employees.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and lifting.
- Ability to work on uneven ground and in muddy, dusty, or rugged conditions.
- Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
- Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, wet, and humid weather conditions.
- Ability to safely work around heavy equipment and construction traffic.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor construction environment on active site development projects.
- Exposure to dust, mud, noise, vibration, moving equipment, and changing weather conditions.
- Work performed around earthmoving operations, grading activities, excavations, and construction traffic.
- Overtime and weekend work may be required based on project schedules.
Key Competencies
- Safety Awareness
- Dependability
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Positive Attitude
- Initiative
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Willingness to Learn
- Strong Work Ethic
