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Gradall Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Gradall Operator information

See Florida salary details

$16

$17

$18

How much do gradall operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for gradall operator in Florida is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid heavy machine operator?

The highest paid heavy machine operators are often those who operate specialized equipment like cranes, bulldozers, or graders with extensive experience and certifications. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, especially for roles in construction, mining, or infrastructure projects in high-demand regions.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Gradall Operator on a construction site?

A Gradall Operator’s daily duties generally include maneuvering Gradall machines to excavate, grade, or move earth and other materials as required by the project. Operators are responsible for conducting pre-operation equipment checks, ensuring safe machine function, and reporting any maintenance needs to supervisors. They often work alongside site supervisors, laborers, and other heavy equipment operators to coordinate tasks and maintain workflow efficiency. The operator may also be tasked with reading site blueprints, following project plans, and adapting to variable site conditions. This mix of responsibilities provides a dynamic and engaging work environment for operators who enjoy hands-on construction work.

What is a Gradall Operator job?

A Gradall Operator is a skilled construction worker who operates a Gradall excavator, a specialized hydraulic machine used for grading, excavating, and material handling. They are responsible for maneuvering the equipment safely and efficiently on job sites, often in roadwork, site development, or utility projects. Duties include interpreting site plans, controlling the boom for precision work, and performing routine equipment maintenance. Operators must follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure project success. Experience with heavy machinery and proper licensing or certification may be required.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Gradall operators, who operate specialized excavators, can earn around $700 a day with experience, overtime, and in high-demand projects. Such roles often require certifications, knowledge of heavy machinery, and working in construction or infrastructure environments. High-paying construction or industrial equipment operators may reach this daily rate depending on location and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gradall Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gradall Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy equipment, a solid understanding of construction site safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with Gradall hydraulic excavators, familiarity with site blueprints, and possession of relevant certifications such as OSHA or a commercial driver's license (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills for this position. These competencies help ensure safe, efficient operations and effective collaboration on complex construction projects.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Gradall operator can potentially earn around $4,000 a week with experience, overtime, and working in high-demand construction or industrial settings. These roles often require specialized training, certification, and operating heavy machinery, but typically do not require a college degree. Earnings vary based on location, employer, and hours worked.

What is a Gradall operator?

A Gradall operator is a skilled worker who operates a Gradall, a type of telescoping excavator with a unique boom design that allows for versatile digging, lifting, and material handling. They typically need training or certification to operate the equipment safely and efficiently in construction, maintenance, or industrial settings.
What are popular job titles related to Gradall Operator jobs in FL? For Gradall Operator jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gradall Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,617 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Stormwater Heavy Equipment Operator

Stormwater Heavy Equipment Operator

Pinellas County Government

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$25.12/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Pinellas County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

321st of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Stormwater Heavy Equipment Operator (Crew Chief 3)
Location: 22211 US Highway 19, Clearwater, FL
Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. or Tuesday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Are you looking for a hands-on career that allows you to work outdoors, operate heavy equipment, and make a direct impact on your community and environment? Pinellas County is seeking a dedicated and safety-minded Stormwater Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Public Works team.
In this essential role, you'll lead a team in the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of stormwater drainage systems and related infrastructure. You'll operate major items of construction equipment (e.g., Gradall, Spider/walking excavator, long-arm excavator) in stormwater infrastructure activities and supervise personnel in the field. While ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical work, love operating equipment, take pride in public service, and are ready to respond during emergency events such as hurricanes or flooding. You'll be part of a team that plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, clean, and resilient.
What Would You Do?
  • Supervises crews and equipment engaged in construction, maintenance, traffic safety, and repair work involving drainage
  • Performs maintenance and repair of Pinellas County stormwater Drainage systems.
  • Ensures TTC/MOT is properly set up and maintained in accordance with FDOT standards, modifies plans to fit specific job site conditions to ensure public and worker safety;
  • Completes assigned work and updating labor hours, equipment usage, materials, and other resources in the work management system
  • Provides on-the-job training across assigned equipment and tools, including dump truck operation, front-end loader operation, proper hand and power tool operation (pole saw/power pruner, chainsaw, weed eater, blower, saws-all, grease gun, etc.), and BMPs;
  • Determines required equipment, materials, personnel, and ditch/swale shape based on right-of-way conditions
  • Ensures 811 utility locates are completed and coordinates with utility companies and Pinellas County Utilities when conflicts or unmarked utilities occur;
  • Determines when tree trimming or removal is needed to maintain stormwater flow;
  • Arranges for vacation/sick relief; reviews and approves timecards, provides instructions and advice on complex problems;
  • Requests and assists in coordinating use of specialized equipment in assigned areas such as a heavy equipment operation;
  • Prioritizes, assigns, and schedules work projects for stormwater services; receives work orders, determines resources and crew size, and assigns work to appropriate specialty units;
  • Maintains and monitors comprehensive records of work orders, scheduled completion dates, work progress, and delays and adjusts dates to reflect current status;
  • Trains staff in safety methods; ensures proper calibration, operation, and maintenance of assigned equipment.;
  • Contacts the public in areas where crews are working, coordinates work on private property when necessary, explains work being performed and responds to complaints;
  • Communicates and coordinates work with other departments;
  • Assists other departments when necessary;
  • Sets up, maintains, and distributes sandbags at designated sites;
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

What Do You Need to Have?
  • Three (3) years of public works, utilities, general construction, maintenance, or repair work that includes lead worker/supervision or supervisory training, including at least one (1) year of drainage maintenance experience; OR
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
  • Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Special Qualifications:
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License A.
  • Florida Stormwater Association Certified Stormwater Operator Level 1 or higher.
  • OSHA 30 Hour General Construction Card.
  • FDOT Intermediate Temporary Traffic Control certification.
  • Must be certified to safely operate assigned equipment, including Gradall, Spider (walking excavator), and Longarm Excavator.

Highly Desirable
  • Experience operating heavy equipment, specifically a Gradall.
  • Experience supervising and leading a team engaged in Stormwater Maintenance or construction projects.
  • Knowledge of stormwater drainage principles, methods, materials and equipment.
  • Possess job related license(s) or qualifications directly related to the job as a prerequisite to appointment or to acquire those qualifications or license(s).

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!
  • Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
  • We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want to Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.
Crew Chief 3

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