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Construction Grade Setter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LHC

Surveyor-Grade Setter

Kalispell, MT · On-site

Surveyor / Grade Setter Location: Kalispell, MT Company: LHC, Inc. Work Outdoors. Build Montana. Be ... Experience in construction or grade setting using GPS, LIDAR and total station millimeter control ...

LHC

Surveyor-Grade Setter

Kalispell, MT · On-site

Surveyor / Grade Setter Location: Kalispell, MT Company: LHC, Inc. Work Outdoors. Build Montana. Be ... Experience in construction or grade setting using GPS, LIDAR and total station millimeter control ...

LHC

Surveyor-Grade Setter

Kalispell, MT · On-site

Surveyor / Grade Setter Location: Kalispell, MT Company: LHC, Inc. Work Outdoors. Build Montana. Be ... Experience in construction or grade setting using GPS, LIDAR and total station millimeter control ...

Forgen LLC

Grade Setter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35.35 - $60.72/hr

Grade Setter Location: Stockton, CA Position Summary This position involves various manual and ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35.35 - $60.72/hr

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

South Bay, FL · On-site

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

South Bay, FL · On-site

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

South Bay, FL · On-site

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Knife River Corporation

GPS/GRADE SETTER

Missoula, MT · On-site

Utilize GPS systems and traditional means to set grade and conduct construction layout on highways, parking lots and civil sitework projects. * Must be willing to do manual labor * Read, understand ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

South Bay, FL · On-site

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35.35 - $60.72/hr

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

South Bay, FL · On-site

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

Forgen

Grade Setter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

... grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill ... Forgen Overview Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating ...

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Construction Grade Setter information

See salary details

$10

$24

$43

How much do construction grade setter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction grade setter in the United States is $24.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a construction grade setter?

Construction Grade Setters are skilled workers responsible for preparing and setting reference points and markers that guide construction crews in building roads, structures, and other projects according to design specifications. They use instruments like transits, levels, and GPS equipment to ensure the correct elevation and alignment of surfaces and foundations. Their work is crucial for ensuring that structures are built safely, accurately, and to code. Grade setters often collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and construction teams throughout a project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a construction grade setter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Construction Grade Setter, you need a solid understanding of construction math, site layout, and blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with surveying equipment, laser levels, and GPS grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for accuracy and collaboration on construction sites. These competencies ensure precise grading, efficient workflow, and the overall success of building projects.

What are some common challenges faced by construction grade setters on a job site?

Construction Grade Setters often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining accuracy with measurements despite uneven terrain, and coordinating closely with heavy equipment operators to ensure grading aligns with project specifications. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as even small miscalculations can impact the entire construction process. Additionally, adapting to tight project timelines and changing site conditions requires flexibility and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Construction Grade Setter vs Construction Surveyor?

AspectConstruction Grade SetterConstruction Surveyor
CertificationsOSHA, OSHA 10/30, equipment operationSurveying certifications, GPS, CAD
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryConstruction sites, outdoor, technical equipment
Job FocusSetting grades, leveling, ensuring proper elevationMeasuring, mapping, layout, and boundary determination

The Construction Grade Setter primarily focuses on establishing accurate ground levels and elevations for construction projects, working closely with heavy machinery and site preparation. In contrast, the Construction Surveyor specializes in mapping, boundary marking, and precise measurements to guide construction layout. Both roles are essential on construction sites, often working together, but they differ in technical focus and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Construction Grade Setter jobs?

For Construction Grade Setter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Grade Setter

Columbia Falls, MT • On-site

Schellinger Construction
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Schellinger Constructionexternal

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Functional Summary
Reporting to the Job Superintendent, the Grade Setter performs a combination of duties to set groundwork to desired grade specifications.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Grade Setter include, but are not limited to:
Operations
  • Reads site plans and notes for work site to be graded.
  • Uses instruments such as GPS, lasers, grade rods, eye levels and transit levels to set appropriate grade.
  • Pounds lathes/stakes into ground using hand-held sledgehammer to mark the grading boundaries. Writes grade information on the stakes.
  • May hand shovel and rake dirt and gravel to perform groundwork as needed.
  • May perform other duties as needed.

Safety, Teamwork & Compliance
  • Promote, execute and adhere to the company's safety policies and encourage all employees, subcontractors and consultants to adopt safety as a culture.
  • Attend and participate in safety meetings and inspections.
  • Work in a safe, responsible manner to not intentionally or unintentionally injure oneself, or endanger the wellbeing of others.
  • Understand and comply with Company policies and procedures
  • Promote a team approach and maintain an open and respectful approach to communication with all employees.
  • Wear appropriate protective equipment: protective footwear, hard hat, ear and eye protection.

Requirements/Experience
  • Extensive Travel for extended periods
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred
  • Have a current driver's license
  • Willing to work overtime, as required.
  • Work schedule is weather dependent, so flexibility is required.
  • Work is performed in an outdoor setting, which could include inclement weather, heat and cold, and exposure to dust and asphalt.
  • Must be physically able to occasionally lift and carry at least 75 LBS.
  • Must comply with the company's drug and alcohol testing requirements.
  • Successful applicant will be required to join or be a member of the Operators Union.
  • Must have good math skills.
  • GPS experience preferred.
  • Demonstrates the ability to read and understand plans and specifications

Compensation and benefits offered with this role will be based on work experience and capability
Schellinger Construction Company is a drug free and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
No phone calls please.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

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