Grader Operator

Grader Operator

Whitaker Construction is seeking an experienced Grader Operator to join our team for heavy highway and commercial site development projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine grading, and subgrade preparation.

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.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate and maintain motorized grading equipment, including finish blades, to accurately grade and level surfaces according to project plans and specifications.
• Collaborate with project managers, supervisors, and other construction team members to understand grading requirements and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Conduct pre-operation equipment inspections to identify any potential safety hazards or maintenance issues, and perform routine maintenance as needed.
• Interpret grading plans and blueprints to determine the appropriate grade and slope for surfaces and adjust equipment settings accordingly.
• Utilize Trimble GPS and other precision grading technologies to achieve accurate grading results.
• Monitor and control blade angles, blade height, and machine speed to achieve precise grading and finishing of surfaces.
• Always ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safe operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including the proper storage of equipment and materials.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to report progress, challenges, and any issues encountered during operations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and teamwork to contribute to the overall success of construction projects.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience operating finish blades or similar grading equipment in a construction or earthwork setting.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, and grading specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with GPS and laser-guided grading systems preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, with knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe operating practices.
• Flexibility to work outdoors in various weather conditions and willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

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.

Benefits

• 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.