Position Summary The Dirt Crew Grading Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating construction equipment to excavate, move, spread, shape, and finish soil, aggregate base, and other materials on site-development and civil construction projects. The operator will perform rough and finish grading for building pads, roads, parking areas, drainage features, slopes, swales, and utility corridors while maintaining required elevations, slopes, cross-sections, and compaction requirements. This position works closely with the Dirt Foreman, survey crew, laborers, truck drivers, utility crews, and other equipment operators. The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who can read grade stakes and plans, work from laser or GPS machine-control systems, make accurate adjustments, and maintain production without sacrificing safety or quality. Essential Duties Operate dozers, motor graders, loaders, skid steers, scrapers, compactors, and other dirt-construction equipment as qualified and assigned. Perform rough and finish grading of soil, limerock, aggregate base, fill, subgrade, building pads, roads, parking areas, swales, retention areas, and slopes. Spread, level, shape, and blend dirt, sand, rock, limerock, stabilized base, and other construction materials. Cut and fill to required elevations using grade stakes, hubs, string lines, laser levels, GPS machine control, or other site-control methods. Maintain specified grades, slopes, drainage patterns, crowns, cross-slopes, and material thicknesses. Read and understand civil plans, grading plans, cross-sections, specifications, and field layout information. Coordinate with the Foreman and survey crew to verify grades, elevations, offsets, and limits of work. Work around underground utilities, drainage structures, pipe crews, concrete crews, trucks, and other active construction operations. Load, stockpile, move, and place dirt and aggregate materials while minimizing segregation, contamination, and unnecessary rehandling. Fine-grade areas around structures, curbs, drainage inlets, utilities, foundations, and other improvements without damaging installed work. Assist with preparation of subgrade and aggregate base before concrete, asphalt, utilities, or other improvements are installed. Maintain proper travel paths, haul roads, ramps, stockpiles, and access areas throughout the project. Monitor material moisture and surface conditions and coordinate with water-truck or compaction crews as needed. Perform daily equipment inspections, fluid checks, lubrication, and basic operator-level maintenance. Report mechanical issues, unsafe conditions, grade discrepancies, utility conflicts, and production concerns immediately. Maintain accurate records or communicate information regarding equipment hours, material usage, delays, and field conditions. Participate in daily huddles, toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and project coordination meetings. Assist other members of the dirt crew as needed to complete the work safely and efficiently. Typical grading-operator duties include spreading dirt and aggregate base to finish grade, meeting design specifications, aligning equipment with reference stakes, coordinating with ground personnel, and maintaining assigned equipment. cite citecwmatthews+1 Qualifications and Skills Minimum of 2 years of experience operating grading or heavy construction equipment preferred. Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: Motor grader. Dozer. Loader. Skid steer. Scraper. Roller or other compaction equipment. Strong understanding of dirt work, cut-and-fill operations, subgrade preparation, drainage, and finish grading. Ability to read grade stakes, elevations, offsets, slopes, cross-sections, and basic civil construction plans. Experience using Trimble, Topcon, Leica, laser-guided, or other GPS or machine-control grading systems preferred. Ability to make accurate grade adjustments and recognize when field conditions differ from the plans. Knowledge of proper soil placement, moisture conditioning, compaction, and material handling practices. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, surveyors, laborers, truck drivers, and other operators. Ability to work independently while following the project schedule and Foreman's instructions. Valid driver's license preferred. OSHA-10, equipment-certification, or other construction-safety training preferred. Safety and Work Requirements Follow all company policies, project requirements, manufacturer instructions, and applicable OSHA standards. Complete required equipment inspections before operating machinery. Maintain safe clearance from workers, vehicles, structures, utilities, trenches, slopes, and other equipment. Use approved hand signals or radio communication when working around spotters and ground personnel. Remain alert for overhead lines, underground utilities, unstable slopes, soft ground, edge drop-offs, and changing site conditions. Never carry passengers unless the equipment is specifically designed and authorized for passengers. Wear required PPE, including hard hat, high-visibility clothing, safety-toe boots, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection when required. Work outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, dust, mud, noise, and changing weather conditions. Ability to work early mornings, extended hours, weekends, or changing schedules based on project requirements. Ability to sit for extended periods, operate foot and hand controls, climb equipment steps, inspect machinery, and work on uneven terrain. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pay:

$23.00 - $29.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 50.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

DeLand, FL 32720 (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Required)

Work Location:

In person