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Blade Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Silverthorne, CO · On-site

$250/day

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Silverthorne, CO · On-site

$250/day

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

NOVA Automation

Bandsaw Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Bandsaw Operator Location: Denver, CO 80219 Schedule: 5:30AM - 2:00PM, M-F NOVA Automation is ... Adjust machine settings, including blade tension, speed, and guides, to match material and cutting ...

NOVA Automation

Bandsaw Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Bandsaw Operator Location: Denver, CO 80219 Schedule: 5:30AM - 2:00PM, M-F NOVA Automation is ... Adjust machine settings, including blade tension, speed, and guides, to match material and cutting ...

Vestas

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Brighton, CO · On-site

$25.50 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator General Purpose: Executes packaging, shipping and transporting Nacelles ... Directs blade transporters on correct blade transport interface configurations and procedures.

Mortenson

Solar Operator I-Pawnee

Fort Morgan, CO · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

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All JobsBlade Operator JobsBlade Operator Jobs in Colorado

Blade Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$18

$26

$38

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in Colorado is $26.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.
More about Blade Operator jobs
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,747 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Finish Blade Operator

Brannan Sand and Gravel Company LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Brannan Companies rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Application Instructions
Please apply by clicking the Green "Apply Now" button above
No application deadline for this position as Brannan takes applications for this role on an ongoing basis
Position Description
Division: Brannan Sand + Gravel
Position: Blade Operator - Grading Crew
Reports To: Foreman
FLSA Status: Full Time
Location: Various Denver Metro Locations
Hourly Pay Range: $32.00 -$38.00
Sign on Bonus: $1,000
Position Summary:
The Blade Operator will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of grading equipment. Candidates must have experience fine grading for asphalt paving. Must have thorough understanding of all aspects of the grading/paving industry including preparatory work, grades, drainage, soil types, aggregate, curb & gutter, compaction and other details related to sub-grade/fine grade prep.
Functional Responsibilities:
  • Perform pre-check/post-trip inspections, including all fluid levels per checklist before starting. Inform paving superintendent of any issues immediately for documentation and correction
  • Walk the site prior to paving to identify and correct all potential jobsite hazards. Identify concerns and any impediments to the paving plan. Check existing conditions for pre-existing damage such as that to curb and gutters, cross pans, edges, etc.
  • Participate in daily huddle
  • Understand paving starting point and grading plan for the shift.
  • Process soil/aggregate to an optimum moisture and compact to proper density.
  • Balance roadway & parking lots to grade with or without survey stakes.
  • Fine grade roadway & parking lots within ¼ inch tolerance.
  • Consistently cut curb & gutter edges to precise depth ¼ inch tolerance.
  • Dealing with haul trucks bring aggregate dumping & balancing each load.
  • Identify different elevations & grades including break points, high/low points, 2% cross slope, and any potential drainage issues.
  • Communicate any issues, concerns, or problems to grading foreman throughout the shift.
  • Keep up with paving schedule on consistent basis.
  • Check all manholes and water valves before paving to ensure they are turned up to proper grade and properly cleaned during that shift.
  • Clean equipment and jobsite at the end of the shift.
  • Ensure equipment water systems are properly drained at the end of shift in cold weather to protect from freezing.
  • Stage equipment correctly where designated at the end of the shift.
  • Train and cross train crew members as requested.
  • Open to coaching and development of skill to be at top of the industry.
  • Report to work as scheduled and on time each day.
  • No use of cell phone during the work shift

Benefits:
  • Health Insurance - Including dental and vision
  • Life Insurance - Company-paid basic life insurance for employees, spouses, as well as children.
  • Voluntary Group Term Life.
  • 401k Savings Plan.
  • Legal & Identity Theft.
  • AFLAC Supplemental Insurance.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.
Position Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Display a professional and courteous attitude to co-workers, supervisors, and the general public at all times
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Must be willing to work nights and weekends if or when necessary
  • Report to the assigned job site in proper attire and ready to begin work at the designated start time
  • Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required
  • Must be able to pass a drug screen, we comply with federal regulations

Physical Requirements:
  • Standing - 8 to 10 hours daily
  • Walking - 8 to 10 hours daily
  • Bending/Stooping - 8 to 10 hours daily
  • Repetitive Movement (shoveling/sweeping) - 8 to 10 hours daily
  • Lifting (weights up to 100 lbs.) - Occasionally
  • Lift and Carry (50/60 lbs. for 20 feet) - Regularly
  • Push / Pull - 8 to 10 hours daily

Equal Opportunity Employer
Brannan Companies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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