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Gradall Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Gradall information

See Houston, TX salary details

$19

$22

$26

How much do gradall jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for gradall in Houston, TX is $22.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Gradall operator?

Gradall operators are skilled workers who operate Gradall excavators, which are specialized hydraulic machines used for digging, grading, and other earthmoving tasks. These machines are unique due to their telescoping booms and ability to work in tight spaces. Gradall operators are responsible for safely maneuvering the equipment, performing routine maintenance, and following project specifications. They often work on construction sites, roadwork, and infrastructure projects. Proper training and certification may be required to operate a Gradall safely.

What are common challenges faced by Gradall operators on construction sites?

Gradall operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, operating machinery in adverse weather conditions, and coordinating closely with other crew members to ensure safety and efficiency. Additionally, they must be vigilant about equipment maintenance and adapt quickly to varying site conditions or unexpected obstacles. Strong communication skills and situational awareness are essential to overcoming these challenges and maintaining productivity on the job site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gradall operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gradall Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy equipment, a high school diploma or equivalent, and typically a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Familiarity with hydraulic systems, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance is essential, and certifications such as NCCCO or OSHA training are often required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work effectively on construction sites and adapt to changing tasks. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, which is critical for meeting project deadlines and maintaining workplace safety.

What is the difference between Gradall vs Excavator Operator?

AspectGradallExcavator Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification or licensing may be required depending on region
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, utility projects, often outdoorsConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects, primarily outdoors
Industry UsageUsed mainly for precise grading, finishing work, and utility installationUsed for digging, lifting, and moving large materials

Gradall and Excavator Operators both work in construction environments, but Gradall operators typically focus on grading and finishing tasks with specialized equipment, while excavator operators handle heavy digging and material movement. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in construction projects.

Infographic showing various Gradall job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,923 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Specialist I/II

Baytown, TX • On-site


City of Baytown
501 - 1,000 employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$34K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary Join our Public Works & Engineering team as a Heavy Equipment Specialist I/II and be a vital part of maintaining our community's infrastructure. We're seeking skilled individuals with a strong background in operating and maintaining heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. In this role, you'll ensure that our equipment runs smoothly and safely, contributing to the success of our public projects.

If you're passionate about machinery and take pride in your work, apply today to help us keep our city moving!HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I Responsible for performing skilled operations of several types of heavy equipment used to excavate, load, transfer or move dirt, gravel or materials in the maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, driveways, alleys, drainage and asphalt as well as brush removal. The ability to operate vehicles and equipment such as patch trucks, street sweeper, concrete breaker, dump truck, compactor, picker truck, backhoe and loader as well as assorted hand and pneumatic tools is a must. Work involves responsibility for efficient use of such equipment.

Duties include performance of manual labor associated with street maintenance and construction. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II Responsible for performing skilled and lead work operating several types of heavy equipment used to excavate, load, transfer, or move dirt, gravel or materials in the maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, driveways, alleys, drainage and asphalt repairs. The ability to operate vehicles and equipment such as gradall, bulldozer, concrete truck, dump truck, compactor, picker truck, backhoe and loader as well as assorted hand and pneumatic tools is a must.

Work involves responsibility for efficient use of such equipment. Duties include the performance of manual labor associated with street maintenance and construction. FOR SOLID WASTE ONLY: Operates all necessary heavy equipment used for brush disposal.

Duties HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST I Operates equipment such as street sweeper, dump truck, compactor, picker truck, backhoe, concrete breaker and loader as well as assorted hand and pneumatic tools. Operates all necessary equipment in construction and maintenance of drainage and streets. Inspects, cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and equipment daily; identifies and reports mechanical problems and damage.

Performs traffic control activities as needed; reports safety hazards and traffic problems. Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries. Performs skilled and semiskilled construction, maintenance and general labor work in the maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, driveways, alleys, drainage and asphalt repairs.

Performs all other related duties as assigned. HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST II Operates equipment such as gradall, bulldozer, dump truck, compactor, picker truck, backhoe and loader as well as assorted hand and pneumatic tools. Operates all necessary equipment in construction and maintenance of drainage and streets.

Inspects, cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and equipment daily; identifies and reports mechanical problems and damage. Performs personnel related duties including training and coaching. Maintains proper safety on and off the road.

Performs traffic control activities as needed; reports safety hazards and traffic problems. Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

FOR SOLID WASTE ONLY: Drives and operates heavy equipment including stake-bed trucks and hydraulic pickers. Loads brush and picks up other disposable waste with various equipment. Performs personnel related duties including training and coaching.

Performs all other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST I ($16.79 - $20.99) Required: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED). Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days)

Valid State of Texas Class "B" Commercial Drivers License, or must be obtained within six months of date in position. One year of experience. Preferred: Demonstrated prior supervisory experience.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST II ($19.02 - $23.78) Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Three years of related experience. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days)

Valid State of Texas Class "A" Commercial Driver's License, or must be obtained within six months in position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST I Ability to operate equipment including sweeper, backhoe, water truck, patch truck and maintainer. Ability to keep accurate maintenance, sweeping, and patching records.

Knowledge of city streets. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public. HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST II Ability to operate equipment including backhoe, dozer, maintainer, etc.

Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, cut sheets, and work orders. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public. Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures.

Ability to make routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment and identify mechanical problems. Must establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public. FOR SOLID WASTE ONLY: Ability to operate and maintain all types of equipment used in solid waste collection.

Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public. Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring. We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services. Overall Position Strength Demands Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.



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