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Grading Construction Jobs in Commerce, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Required Qualifications: · At least five years of civil construction, sitework, grading, or underground utility experience. · Previous experience as a foreman, lead operator, pipe foreman, or ...

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Our work includes grading, excavation, storm drainage, water and sewer utilities, site development, and related civil construction services. We are looking for experienced professionals who value ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, GA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Our work includes grading, excavation, storm drainage, water and sewer utilities, site development, and related civil construction services. We are looking for experienced professionals who value ...

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Grading Construction information

See Commerce, GA salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do grading construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading construction in Commerce, GA is $22.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is grading construction?

Grading construction jobs involve preparing and leveling land for building, roadwork, or landscaping projects. Workers use heavy machinery to move earth, create slopes, and ensure proper drainage. This process is essential for creating a stable foundation, preventing erosion, and ensuring that structures are built on even ground. Grading is often one of the first steps in any major construction project, contributing to both the safety and longevity of the finished work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in grading construction?

To thrive in Grading Construction, you need a solid understanding of earthwork principles, site preparation, and the ability to read construction plans, often supported by experience or vocational training. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication are essential soft skills for effective collaboration and maintaining safety standards. These skills ensure precise land preparation, project efficiency, and the safe completion of construction projects.

What are some of the main challenges faced by grading construction professionals on a typical project?

Grading construction professionals often face challenges related to varying soil conditions, changing weather patterns, and tight project deadlines. Ensuring proper slope and drainage while working around existing structures or underground utilities requires precision and attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with surveyors, equipment operators, and other contractors is essential to keep the project on schedule and maintain safety standards. Adapting quickly to unforeseen site conditions is a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Grading Construction vs Surveyor?

AspectGrading ConstructionSurveyor
Required CredentialsOSHA certifications, equipment operation licensesSurveying licenses, degree in surveying or geomatics
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryFieldwork outdoors, office drafting, site measurements
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, civil engineering projectsEngineering firms, land development, construction planning

While both roles are essential in construction projects, Grading Construction focuses on preparing the land surface using machinery, whereas Surveyors measure and map land to guide construction. Both require outdoor work, but their certifications and daily tasks differ significantly.

How does grading work in construction?

In construction, grading involves leveling and shaping the ground surface to ensure proper drainage and foundation stability. Grading workers use tools like bulldozers, graders, and shovels to achieve the desired slope and elevation, often following engineering plans and safety standards. Proper grading is essential for the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure projects.

What are popular job titles related to Grading Construction jobs in Commerce, GA?

For Grading Construction jobs in Commerce, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grading Construction jobs in Commerce, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Construction jobs in Commerce, GA are:

What cities near Commerce, GA are hiring for Grading Construction jobs?

Cities near Commerce, GA with the most Grading Construction job openings:

Infographic showing various Grading Construction job openings in Commerce, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,766 per year, or $23 per hour.

Civil Construction Foreman

J&J Earthworks

Athens, GA • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description

Position Summary:

J&J Earthworks is a small, close-knit civil construction company currently seeking an experienced Civil Construction Foreman to join our growing team in the Athens, Georgia area. We’re looking for a hands-on leader who knows civil construction, takes pride in their work, and can lead a crew while still being willing to jump in and work alongside them when needed.

At J&J, people know each other, hard work is noticed, and every person plays an important role in what we’re building. We want our employees to feel valued, supported, and have the opportunity to build a long-term career with us.

We believe in developing our people from within, which means helping laborers become operators, operators become foremen, and foremen continue into superintendent and leadership roles.


What you can expect at J&J Earthworks:


  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Growth opportunities/continued development
  • Leadership that recognizes hard work and initiative


Our foremen lead daily field operations, coordinate crews and equipment, read plans, establish grades, and oversee civil sitework and underground utility installation. Heavy equipment experience is important, as our foremen are hands-on and willing to operate when the job calls for it.

Above all, we’re looking for someone dependable who takes ownership of their work, looks out for their crew, and wants to grow with us.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Lead and supervise civil construction crews performing sitework and underground utility installation.

· Plan and coordinate daily labor, equipment, materials, and production activities.

· Read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, utility plans, profiles, details, and project specifications.

· Establish and verify grades, slopes, elevations, and pipe inverts.

· Properly set up and use grade lasers, rotary lasers, pipe lasers, and grade rods.

· Lead the installation of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, waterline, structures, and related utilities.

· Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, compactors, and other heavy equipment as needed.

· Direct excavation, trenching, bedding, pipe installation, backfill, compaction, fine grading, and stabilization activities.

· Ensure work is completed according to plans, specifications, schedules, and quality standards.

· Monitor crew productivity and communicate production goals clearly.

· Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, inspectors, subcontractors, and other trades.

· Identify plan conflicts, changed conditions, delays, and potential change-order work.

· Document daily labor, equipment usage, installed quantities, delays, and jobsite conditions.

· Conduct daily safety meetings and enforce company safety policies.

· Inspect equipment and ensure required maintenance or repairs are reported promptly.

· Maintain an organized, professional, and safe jobsite.

· Train and develop operators, pipe layers, and laborers.

· Perform other field and supervisory duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

· At least five years of civil construction, sitework, grading, or underground utility experience.

· Previous experience as a foreman, lead operator, pipe foreman, or similar field leadership position.

· Strong heavy equipment operating skills.

· Ability to independently read and interpret civil construction plans.

· Experience using grade lasers, pipe lasers, rotary lasers, and grade rods.

· Knowledge of elevations, slopes, percentages, pipe inverts, and basic construction layout.

· Experience installing storm drainage, sanitary sewer, waterline, or similar underground utilities.

· Ability to lead employees, assign work, and hold crews accountable for safety, quality, and production.

· Knowledge of trench safety, excavation practices, compaction requirements, and utility installation procedures.

· Ability to communicate professionally with field employees, management, inspectors, and clients.

· Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.

· Ability to pass pre-employment screening requirements.

· Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.

· Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and safely perform the physical duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

· OSHA 10- or OSHA 30-hour construction certification.

· Competent Person training for excavation and trenching.

· CPR and first-aid certification.

· Experience working on commercial, municipal, or public infrastructure projects.

· Experience with GPS machine control or construction layout technology.

· Experience completing daily field reports and tracking installed quantities.

· Commercial driver’s license or experience transporting construction equipment.

Leadership Expectations:

The Civil Construction Foreman is expected to:

· Lead by example and maintain a professional attitude.

· Be prepared before the crew begins work each day.

· Clearly communicate the daily plan and production expectations.

· Treat employees, clients, inspectors, and subcontractors respectfully.

· Take ownership of safety, quality, productivity, and jobsite organization.

· Develop crew members and help employees improve their skills.

· Communicate problems early instead of allowing issues to grow.

· Protect company equipment, materials, and resources.

· Maintain accurate documentation of field activities.

· Represent J&J Earthworks professionally on every project.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position. The normal schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend work required depending on project needs and weather conditions.

Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Starting pay of $25.00–$32.00 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated ability.

· Paid holidays and paid time off, subject to company policy.

· Company-provided safety equipment.

· Training and advancement opportunities.

· Access to a company vehicle

· Additional benefits may be available based on eligibility and company policy.

Company Description

J&J Earthworks is a growing civil construction and excavation contractor serving commercial, municipal, and private clients. Our work includes grading, excavation, storm drainage, water and sewer utilities, site development, and related civil construction services.

We are looking for experienced professionals who value safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and teamwork.