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Grader Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

with Stimson Lumber

Grader

Clatskanie, OR · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Access to company-owned land for recreation Responsibilities: A Grader I should be certified by an ... Co-workers' safety and safe operating practice is top priority and appropriate PPE is required ...

Conti Civil

Motor Grader Operator

Hampstead, NC · On-site

Who We Are: Conti Civil LLC is a fourth-generation, privately owned construction leader ... An experienced Motor Grader Operator for our Hampstead, NC area project who can Safely operate ...

Grammer Logistics

Port Huron,MI - O/O

Roseville, MI

Ag Ammonia - Industrial Ammonia - Liquid Fertilizer - Met Grade Ammonia Experience REQUIRED: 407 Hazmat chemical experience Component Required: Hydraulic Cooler NGL/Hydrapak TWIC: Required can ...

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Grader Owner Operator information

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How much do grader owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for grader owner operator in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Grader Owner Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grader Owner Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy equipment (specifically motor graders), a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and knowledge of construction or roadwork procedures. Familiarity with GPS grade control systems, maintenance tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring projects are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently while maintaining equipment reliability.

What are some of the key challenges Grader Owner Operators face when managing both equipment maintenance and project deadlines?

Grader Owner Operators often juggle the dual responsibilities of maintaining their heavy equipment and meeting tight project deadlines. Unexpected breakdowns or routine maintenance can disrupt schedules, so effective planning and proactive upkeep are essential to minimize downtime. Additionally, since they are typically self-employed or contract-based, balancing administrative tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and client communications alongside on-site work can be demanding. Building strong relationships with reliable mechanics and suppliers, and staying organized with a maintenance calendar, can help manage these challenges and keep projects on track.

What is a Grader Owner Operator?

A Grader Owner Operator is a professional who owns and operates a motor grader, which is heavy machinery used for leveling and grading surfaces in construction, roadwork, and mining. Unlike company-employed operators, owner operators are typically self-employed or run their own small business, contracting their services to various clients. They are responsible for both the operation and maintenance of their equipment, as well as handling business aspects like scheduling, invoicing, and compliance with safety regulations.

What is the difference between Grader Owner Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectGrader Owner OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), equipment-specific certificationsBasic CDL or OSHA training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road maintenance, grading projectsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, outdoor work
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, industrial companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery in construction or maintenance settings. The Grader Owner Operator typically owns and operates a motor grader, focusing on grading and earthmoving tasks, often working independently. Equipment Operators may operate various machinery but usually do not own the equipment. The key difference lies in ownership and specialization, with the Grader Owner Operator having a more specific focus on grading tasks and equipment ownership.

More about Grader Owner Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Grader Owner Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Grader Owner Operator jobs are:
Grader Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grader Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 8% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 22% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Grader

with Stimson Lumber

Clatskanie, OR • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Lumber Grader - Precision, Quality, Craftsmanship.
Stimson Lumber Company is seeking a lumber grader for their Clatskanie mill that is proficient in lumber grading, understanding species and grade line, strong understanding of production flow and products at the plant. Responsible for visually inspecting all four sides of lumber to determine lumber grade, length, and species.
Starting Pay: Base pay for this entry level position will start at $30.00/hour. People with significant experience may come in at a higher level. The range for Grader is $30-$35/hour.
Overtime: This position is eligible for Overtime at $45.00/hour.
Healthcare: Stimson pays 80% of the premiums for healthcare coverage for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision.
401(k): Stimson provides a 100% match on the first 6% of your pay when you contribute to your 401(k)-retirement account.
Profit Sharing: Contributions are deposited annually into your 401(k) account for Profit Sharing, up to 3% of your pay.
Bonus: This position is bonus eligible and will receive a discretionary bonus in years when the company and location are profitable.
Paid Time-Off: Position offers 9 paid holidays and 2 weeks of paid vacation. Paid sick leave is available for up to 3 days per year.
Employee Referral program: Earn a $2500 minimum bonus for a successful referral
Other: Wellness Program with reward incentives; Tuition Reimbursement, Apprenticeships, Career Development; Access to company-owned land for recreation
Responsibilities:
A Grader I should be certified by an accredited agency or completed in-house training program. Proficient in lumber grading, understanding of species and grade line; strong understanding of production flow and products at the plant. Responsible for visually inspecting all four sides of lumber to determine lumber grade, length, and species.
  • Proficient and skilled grader (certified or equivalent) in 1-3 certifications depending on mill and products at the mill
  • Completes daily grade checks within set spread for each item produced at the plant
  • Ability to identify defects in product
  • Working knowledge of grade rules
  • Ability to make grade and trim decisions required to maximize product value and recovery
  • Communication and teamwork with quality control, graders, planer man, and planer feeder must be achieved by the grader I, while working independently to achieve goals set for the planer crew
  • Co-workers' safety and safe operating practice is top priority and appropriate PPE is required

Qualifications:
  • Able to grade on-line
  • Possesses math skills (reading tape measures and digital calipers, converting fractions to decimals, etc.)
  • Computer skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Understanding of species and grade line
  • Understanding of production flow and products at the plant
  • Demonstrate ability to make grade and trim decisions to maximize product value and recovery
  • Detail oriented and able to complete tasks with efficiency and accuracy
  • Complete on-site safety training, including LOTO procedures
  • Demonstrate a commitment to safety, continuous improvement attitude, and team communication
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Who is Stimson Lumber?
Stimson Lumber is a leader in the forest products and natural resources industry, with over 650 employees and locations across Idaho, Oregon and Washington. We have a progressive, forward-thinking culture focusing on the development of our people. Our employees are given the tools and opportunities to maximize their talent to achieve professional and personal goals. We have been a recognized leader in our industry for decades because of our commitment to quality, customer service and continuous improvement mentality.
Why work at Stimson Lumber?
We hire people who are passionate about what they do every day, have a desire to make a difference and thrive in a team environment. We reward our employees through competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and advancement opportunities while being a great place to work. As an equal opportunity employment company, we value the diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and those influences upon the workplace. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment assessments.
To learn more about Career Development/Paths at our mills, click the link below to find the right mill job for you!
Career Development myStimson
For details about employee benefits and Stimson values: www.mystimson.com

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