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Dirt Works Grading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role the foreman will direct the crew in clearing and grading, grading blue-topping of dirt ... Experience field related necessary in public works or heavy civil construction and maintenance ...

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Equipment Operator/Foreman

Woodlake, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Looking for an experienced person in underground pipe laying such as sewer, storm drain, fire lines, and water works and septic system installation. Grading and all dirt work too. Class A license is ...

Field Technician- Laborer

Roebuck, SC ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Dragonfly Pond Works is a fast-growing company , offering year-round work , and provides long-term ... Turf establishment planting, hand or machine excavation, grading, erosion repairs, tree removal ...

Field Technician- Laborer

Auburn, GA ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Dragonfly Pond Works is a fast-growing company , offering year-round work , and provides long-term ... Turf establishment planting, hand or machine excavation, grading, erosion repairs, tree removal ...

Field Technician- Laborer

Auburn, GA ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Dragonfly Pond Works is a fast-growing company , offering year-round work , and provides long-term ... Turf establishment planting, hand or machine excavation, grading, erosion repairs, tree removal ...

Field Technician- Laborer

Roebuck, SC ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Dragonfly Pond Works is a fast-growing company , offering year-round work , and provides long-term ... Turf establishment planting, hand or machine excavation, grading, erosion repairs, tree removal ...

$23.47/hr

Assists in placing crushed rock on roadway shoulders and checking grades with grading crew, repairs ... Performs heavy manual labor including shoveling dirt and gravel, raking asphalt, lifting and ...

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Dirt Works Grading information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do dirt works grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for dirt works grading in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dirt Works Grading Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dirt Works Grading Operator, you need experience in heavy equipment operation, a solid understanding of grading techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, laser levels, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a crew are standout soft skills. These skills ensure precise grading, safe operations, and efficient completion of earthwork projects.

What is the difference between Dirt Works Grading vs Excavation Contractor?

AspectDirt Works GradingExcavation Contractor
CredentialsTypically requires heavy equipment operation certifications and basic grading licensesOften requires excavation permits and specialized excavation certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor sites involving land leveling, slope creation, and site preparationOutdoor sites focusing on digging, trenching, and foundation work
Industry UsageCommonly used in landscaping, construction site prep, and land developmentUsed in building foundations, utility installation, and large-scale earthmoving

While both roles involve earthmoving, Dirt Works Grading primarily focuses on land leveling and site preparation, whereas excavation contractors handle digging and trenching for foundations and utilities. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right service for their project needs.

What is dirt works grading?

Dirt works grading refers to the process of shaping and leveling the ground to prepare a site for construction, landscaping, or other projects. This involves moving soil, creating a smooth surface, and ensuring proper drainage. Professionals use heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and graders, to achieve the desired contour and elevation. Proper grading is essential to prevent water pooling, foundation issues, and erosion.

What are some common challenges faced by Dirt Works Grading professionals on job sites?

Dirt Works Grading professionals often encounter challenges such as working with varying soil types, unpredictable weather conditions, and operating heavy machinery safely in tight spaces. Navigating these obstacles requires strong problem-solving skills and close attention to safety protocols. Effective communication with site managers and other construction teams is crucial to ensure the grading work aligns with project specifications and timelines.
More about Dirt Works Grading jobs
What states have the most Dirt Works Grading jobs? States with the most job openings for Dirt Works Grading jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dirt Works Grading jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dirt Works Grading jobs are:
Heavy Civil Estimator / Business Development

Heavy Civil Estimator / Business Development

J&J Enterprises Services Inc.

Las Vegas, NV โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About the role
We are hiring a client-facing Heavy Civil Estimator with strong experience in dirt work, grading, concrete, and asphalt paving. This person must be able to read civil plans, build accurate estimates, and help turn opportunities into awarded work.

What this person will do

  • Review civil plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents
  • Prepare quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for dirt work, grading, concrete, and asphalt paving
  • Build and manage estimates using Dirt Works estimating software and Excel
  • Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
  • Attend job walks, pre-bid meetings, and client meetings
  • Help develop relationships with GCs, developers, municipalities, and repeat customers
  • Coordinate handoff of awarded work to operations/project teams

Required qualifications

  • Strong estimating experience in heavy civil, sitework, earthwork, grading, paving, or related civil construction
  • Proven experience with dirt work, grading, concrete, and asphalt paving scopes
  • Proficiency in Dirt Works estimating software and Excel
  • Ability to read and interpret civil plans, profiles, details, and specifications
  • Strong communication skills and customer-facing professionalism
  • Must live in Southern Nevada, Utah, or Arizona

Preferred

  • Experience bidding public works, DOT, municipal, and private site-development projects
  • Existing relationships in the Nevada, Utah, and Arizona civil construction market
  • Ability to manage both estimating and front-end client interaction

Compensation

  • Base salary DOE
  • Performance bonus and/or commission tied to awarded work
  • Vehicle allowance, phone, laptop, and benefits

Company Description

Busy Asphalt Company, family owned, been in business for 40 years.

J&J Asphalt logo

About J&J Asphalt

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

J&J Enterprises is an asphalt paving and maintenance provider. We build roads, parking lots, driveways and schoolyards. We provide cost-reducing maintenance to beautify existing asphalt, stop damage and extend its life. J&J makes repairs when possible and replaces what canโ€™t be fixed. We also provide concrete, striping and sign services for public spaces where function, safety and regulations are primary concerns. J&J shows customers how to extend the life of their investments, attract new business and avoid costly repairs with sensible maintenance. In addition to all of our skills, we are a family too. Many of our team members have worked at J&J for decades, and with that dedication comes experience. We understand how to solve problems together and remain innovative. We LOVE what we do. It is more important than ever to provide J&J customers with the greatest value โ€“ and we do it โ€“ every day. We are skilled tradesmen, and we care as much as our customers do about our projects. We started as a small mom-and-pop shop with a labor force of two. Today, we are nearly 100 strong with contractor licenses in Nevada and Arizona. J&J is a team of skilled tradesmen, providing affordable, highest-quality asphalt, concrete and sign solutions.

Industry

Construction

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US