Grader Operator

A Grader Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining motorized grading equipment to accurately grade, level, and finish surfaces according to project plans and specifications. This position performs fine grading and subgrade preparation on heavy highway, commercial site development, and other construction projects. The ideal candidate has experience operating finish blades, interpreting grading plans, and utilizing GPS or other precision grading technologies.

Whitaker Construction, founded in 1953, has over 70 years of experience in the heavy civil and underground utility construction industry. Whitaker, an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, has become one of the largest contractors in the intermountain area with more than 600 employees and nearly 70 crews. We perform sanitary sewer, storm drain, culinary water, irrigation, earthwork, roadway construction, dams, landfills, natural gas pipelines, industrial piping, and telecommunication projects primarily in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Including but not limited to the list below.

• Champion the Company’s Vision, Mission and Core Values in every action and decision you are part of: Value Safety, Embrace Ownership, Be Honorable and Elevate Team!
• Operate and maintain motorized grading equipment, including finish blades, to accurately grade and level surfaces according to project plans and specifications.
• Perform fine grading and subgrade preparation to meet project specifications and required elevations.
• Interpret construction plans, blueprints, grading plans, and specifications to determine appropriate grades, slopes, and elevations.
• Utilize Trimble GPS, laser-guided systems, and other precision grading technologies as required.
• Monitor and control blade angles, blade height, machine speed, and other equipment settings to achieve precise grading and finishing.
• Collaborate with project managers, supervisors, equipment operators, laborers, and other construction personnel to understand grading requirements and coordinate work activities.
• Conduct pre-operation equipment inspections and identify potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, or equipment deficiencies.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Operate equipment safely and efficiently while working around personnel, vehicles, and other construction equipment.
• Comply with all safety policies, procedures, and standards of safety.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper storage of equipment and materials.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding work progress, grading requirements, challenges, and equipment concerns.
• Produce high quality work, safety, and productivity at all times.
• Assist with other construction activities as directed by supervisors.
• Move from job to job as projects progress.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by supervisors.
• Regular and timely attendance.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience operating a motor grader, finish blade, or similar grading equipment in a construction or earthwork environment.
• Experience performing fine grading and subgrade preparation preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, grading plans, and specifications.
• Experience utilizing Trimble GPS, laser-guided grading systems, or other precision grading technology preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform routine equipment inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and safe operating practices.
• Display a willing attitude to learn from others.
• Possess a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, quality work.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license and have reliable transportation to get to and from work.

Physical Requirements:

• Able and willing to work long hours including day, night, weekend shifts as needed, and work outside of normal hours.
• Able to sit, walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, feel, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, and job hazards.
• Ability to do physical labor and other strenuous physical tasks.

Whitaker Construction offers an exceptional benefit package including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees earn shares in the company – All employees have ownership in the company and its success.
• Competitive wages
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance
• 401 K and Match
• Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing)
• Referral Bonuses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The ADA defines “reasonable accommodation” as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.

Whitaker Construction is an “equal opportunity employer.” Whitaker will not discriminate and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.