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Blade Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fisher Industries

Blade Operator

Calexico, CA

For additional information about our company, visit our website at www.fisherind.com POSITION SCOPE The Blade Operator will be responsible for grading and maintaining haul roads, construction of new ...

Fisher Industries

Blade Operator

Calexico, CA · On-site

$25/hr

For additional information about our company, visit our website at POSITION SCOPE The Blade Operator will be responsible for grading and maintaining haul roads, construction of new roadways, as well ...

Fisher Industries

Blade Operator

Calexico, CA · On-site

$25/hr

For additional information about our company, visit our website at www.fisherind.comPOSITION SCOPEThe Blade Operator will be responsible for grading and maintaining haul roads, construction of new ...

Archer

Senior Blade Structures Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... Provide blade properties to the loads & dynamics team * Support blade material selection and ...

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Equipment used includes TesMec (large truck with blade and vac), RT 2' blade Vacs (for potholes and ... The operator monitors equipment condition for regular operation and may perform minor maintenance ...

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Equipment used includes TesMec (large truck with blade and vac), RT 2' blade Vacs (for potholes and ... The operator monitors equipment condition for regular operation and may perform minor maintenance ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Stangenes Industries Inc

Cutter

Helendale, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Determines saw blade type and cutting procedures, according to process sheet or senior Cutting Operator's instructions. * Installs and replaces cutting blades using hand tools. * Checks level of ...

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Blade Operator information

See California salary details

$17

$25

$35

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in California is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blade operator?

Blade Operators are skilled professionals who operate motor graders, commonly known as blades, to spread and level materials such as gravel, dirt, or asphalt on roads and construction sites. They are responsible for ensuring surfaces are smooth, even, and meet project specifications. Blade Operators must understand site plans, perform routine equipment maintenance, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Their work is essential for road construction, maintenance, and other civil engineering projects.

What does a blade operator do?

A blade operator is a type of construction worker that operates specific construction equipment, such as a finish blade or motor graders. Your responsibilities in this career are to operate your equipment to complete tasks on a construction project. Your specific duties depend on the specifics project. You may need to excavate an area or finish the grade of the surface of a road. You must also regularly inspect your equipment and perform any minor repairs that are needed. You can outsource more extensive repairs to specialty mechanics. However, you should maintain your equipment to avoid costly repairs. Another significant aspect of your work as a blade operator is safety management. You must follow all safety practices to minimize risk on the job site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blade operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blade Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction or roadwork processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as motor graders, GPS or laser-guided systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and good hand-eye coordination are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and precise grading work, which is critical for successful project completion.

What are some common challenges a blade operator faces during a typical workday?

Blade Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over grading equipment, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure a smooth workflow. Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting can also be demanding, as ensuring machines are in optimal condition is critical for both safety and productivity. Additionally, adapting to different job site requirements and interpreting grading plans accurately are essential skills that help Blade Operators meet project specifications and deadlines.

What is the difference between Blade Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBlade OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, landscapingConstruction sites, excavation, demolition
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, landscapingHeavy civil construction, mining, demolition

Both Blade Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used: Blade Operators primarily operate bulldozers with blades for grading and moving earth, while Excavator Operators handle excavators for digging and lifting tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs.

How much do blade operators make?

Blade operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,322 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Blade Operator

Fisher Industries

Calexico, CA

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Fisher Industries rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Fisher Industries is a vertically integrated family of businesses that provides heavy civil construction and aggregate products across the United States. With over 70 years of experience, the company specializes in highways, bridges, aggregates, and large-scale infrastructure projects, supported by in-house capabilities in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions with an emphasis on safety and quality. As a proven industry leader, Fisher Industries continues to grow while maintaining the integrity and values of a family-owned company. For additional information about our company, visit our website at www.fisherind.com

POSITION SCOPE

The Blade Operator will be responsible for grading and maintaining haul roads, construction of new roadways, as well as placing and finishing aggregate surfacing products. This position may include day or night shift work, travel, overtime, and weekend work.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Operate equipment used to spread gravel base or shouldering material, shape and finish slopes and shoulders
  • Prepare sub grade to allowable tolerances
  • Drive and maneuver equipment in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, and rocks, and to distribute and level work site
  • Operate equipment in a safe manner while avoiding potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, equipment, workers, and falling objects
  • Maintains, services, repairs, adjusts, and tests machines, devices, and moving parts of equipment
  • Performs visual and safety inspection of equipment ensuring proper air pressure in tires, proper fluid levels or perform minor repairs as needed
  • Effectively communicates and coordinates equipment and crew activities through verbal and hand signals
  • Collaborate with managers, contractors, engineers, at work sites
  • Safety, Safety, Safety comply with all OSHA and company policies, procedures, and standards of safety
  • Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of 2 years of blade operating experience
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Acceptable MVR in accordance with Fisher's Company Vehicle Program policy is required
  • OSHA certification or willingness to obtain certification - company will pay for certification
  • Excellent communication skills
  • The ability to follow and enforce safe work practices
  • Self-directed and can work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
  • Extended out-of-town travel, night shift, and/or weekend work may be required

Fisher Industries is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Pre-employment physical and drug testing are required.

If you require an accommodation to submit an application, please email hrdept@fisherind.com to request an accommodation. This email is only to request an accommodation to the application process and is not an email to inquire about the status of your application.

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