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Blade Operator Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

K2 Construction LLC

Dirt Work Foreman

Lincoln, NE

K2 Construction was founded in 2001 and is locally owned and operated in Lincoln, Nebraska. This ... Experience with blade control instrumentation is a plus * Experience using levels and lasers to ...

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Blade Operator information

See Nebraska salary details

$16

$24

$34

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in Nebraska is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $30.96 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
What are popular job titles related to Blade Operator jobs in Nebraska? For Blade Operator jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Blade Operator jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Blade Operator jobs in Nebraska are:
What are popular job titles related to Blade Operator jobs in NE? For Blade Operator jobs in NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,548 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Tractor Operator with Security Clearance

Yulista Holding, LLC.

Omaha, NE • On-site

$18.50 - $21.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Tunista Operations Support Services LLC Regular Primary Function The Tractor Operator is responsible for operating tractors and related heavy or specialized attachments to support grounds maintenance operations. This position performs a variety of tasks including mowing, grading, hauling, and field cultivation to ensure safe, clean, and well-maintained grounds across assigned facilities. Essential Duties * Operate tractors with various attachments such as mowers, box blades, loaders, aerators, spreaders, and trailers.
* Perform large-area mowing of fields, open spaces, rights-of-way, and other turf areas.
* Grade, level, and prepare soil for landscaping, turf renovation, and erosion-control projects.
* Transport materials, equipment, and debris using tractor-drawn trailers or implements.
* Assist with athletic field preparation including dragging, leveling, and turf maintenance.
* Follow all operational and safety procedures when using equipment.
* Assist with routine grounds tasks such as debris removal, landscaping, mulching, pruning, edging, and irrigation support.
* Apply fertilizers or soil amendments using tractor-mounted or pulled equipment (as certified/authorized).
* Participate in seasonal grounds responsibilities including snow removal, storm cleanup, and leaf management.
* Conduct daily inspections of tractor equipment to ensure proper function and safe operation.
* Perform basic maintenance such as cleaning, greasing, blade changes, fluid checks, and minor adjustments.
* Report mechanical issues and coordinate repairs with the maintenance technician or supervisor.
* Adhere to all departmental, local, state, and federal safety regulations.
* Utilize appropriate PPE and safe work practices at all times.
* Participate in required safety training, certifications, and refresher courses. Supervisory Responsibilities * N/A Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * High school diploma or equivalent.
* Demonstrated experience operating heavy equipment in grounds, construction, agriculture, or related environments.
* Valid driver's license; ability to obtain a CDL if required by the department.
* Knowledge of safe operating practices and OSHA/industry safety standards.
* Ability to read and interpret work orders, site plans, and verbal instructions.
* Physical ability to perform manual labor, lift 50+ lbs, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Required Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent.
* Valid driver's license.
* Experience operating tractors and related attachments in grounds, farm, or construction environments.
* Working knowledge of safe tractor operation, basic mechanics, and equipment care. Working Environment * A fast-paced multi-tasking customer service-oriented environment requiring a high degree of efficient and effective performance. * Adaptability regarding schedule and task changes is necessary to accommodate changing priorities. * Work performed in all weather conditions PREFERENCE STATEMENT Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g). EEO STATEMENT Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

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