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Grading Construction Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Performing work on street and highway construction: grading, paving, excavation of earth and rock, construction of viaducts, abutments, retaining walls, subways, and elevated hills. * Work in water ...

... construction of heavy civil projects such as Street Improvements, Parks, and various site works. Some of the trades our staff self-performs include but are not limited to Grading, Wet and Dry ...

... construction of heavy civil projects such as Street Improvements, Parks, and various site works. Some of the trades our staff self-performs include but are not limited to Grading, Wet and Dry ...

Earthwork Modeler

Brea, CA · On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

Interpret and analyze civil construction drawings, grading plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports. * Review and validate survey data, existing ground models, and digital terrain models.

Earthwork Modeler

Brea, CA · On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

Interpret and analyze civil construction drawings, grading plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports. * Review and validate survey data, existing ground models, and digital terrain models.

Be Seen First

Make sure construction follows approved plans and company standards. * Plan ahead for upcoming ... Grading * Soil and base compaction * Drainage * CMU/block walls * Retaining walls * Masonry and ...

Civil Engineer - Level 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

This position offers an opportunity to expand technical skills in hydrology modeling, site grading, permitting approvals, and construction feasibility analysis, supporting project execution from ...

Showing results 21-40

Grading Construction information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do grading construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading construction in Riverside, CA is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $28.61 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 Riverside, CA?

For Grading Construction jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grading Construction jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Construction jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Grading Construction jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Grading Construction job openings:

Infographic showing various Grading Construction job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,753 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior Construction Manager (Water/Wastewater)

Riverside, CA • On-site

Kleinfelder Inc.
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level!

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories.

Step into Your New Role

Kleinfelder Construction Services is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Construction Manager with expertise in heavy civil construction of water and wastewater projects to join our team! This position will support critical infrastructure construction work mainly in the Inland Empire, California.

Why Kleinfelder Construction Services?

Join a well-established industry leader where responsibility, accountability, and authority are the pillars of our culture. At Kleinfelder, you'll work alongside experts, contribute ideas that are valued, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Client Interface: Collaborate with clients, oversight representatives, and regulatory agencies for project execution.
  • Internal Collaboration: Establish productive relationships with management.
  • Communication: Explain water and wastewater design concepts to clients, participate in project scoping activities, proposal presentations, and coordinate with clients to maintain positive relationships.
  • Liaison: Maintain communication with clients, consultants, and contractors to facilitate construction activities.
  • Compliance: Ensure adherence to all client, company, and project policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Project Management: Achieve project objectives and performance standards within client policies and procedures.
  • Oversight: Provide direction for construction management, contract administration, planning/execution, contractor scheduling review, change order management, cost control, progress payments, and quality assurance.
  • Proactive Management: Work with Owners and Contractors to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Cost Evaluation: Review contractor's detailed cost proposals and develop preliminary cost estimates.
  • Supervision: Oversee activities of all company and consultant personnel on assigned projects.
  • Safety: Implement and ensure adherence to company safety programs and safe work practices.
Additional Duties
  • On-site Monitoring: Inspect construction activities to verify contractor compliance with specifications, plans, and schedules.
  • Reporting: Prepare and submit daily reports on construction activities, including equipment, material, labor usage, work description, progress, and current issues.
  • Calculations: Calculate quantities and prepare monthly payment estimates.
  • Coordination: Liaise with utilities, state and local agencies, and the public.
  • Final Reports: Prepare final reports and as-built drawings.
  • Networking: Attend industry networking events.
Experience
  • Minimum 12 years of managing municipal water and/or wastewater infrastructure projects (8 years with a Master’s degree).
  • Minimum 12 years of construction management experience, including client interface, planning, execution, project delivery, and staff supervision (8 years with a Master’s degree).
Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of all aspects of construction, union jurisdiction, labor agreements, and negotiations.
  • Understanding of corporate and industry practices, processes, and standards.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, supervisory, and planning skills.
  • Knowledge of APWA Greenbook standard plans, specifications, procedures, and Construction Manual.
  • Knowledge of WAS and AWWA standard specifications, procedures, and details.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Bluebeam Revu.
  • Experience in construction inspection of major public works projects, including traffic control, paving, earthwork, grading, drainage, and signing and striping (preferred).
Education and Certifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, structural, mechanical, or electrical), construction management, or equivalent.
  • Professional Engineering or CCM certification required.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder

Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

Benefits:

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range:$181,091 - $226,663.

Career Development:

We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.

Equal Opportunity:

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)

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