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Grading Construction Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Work alongside civil and transportation engineers on grading, site layout, ADA details, and construction-ready documents for projects that shape Upstate New York communities. What You'll Do * Produce ...

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Skid Steer Operator / Laborer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$1.0K - $1.2K/wk

Experience operating heavy equipment or construction equipment. * Knowledge of grading, excavation, and material handling procedures. * Experience working on construction, industrial, or government ...

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Skid Steer Operator / Laborer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$1.0K - $1.2K/wk

Experience operating heavy equipment or construction equipment. * Knowledge of grading, excavation, and material handling procedures. * Experience working on construction, industrial, or government ...

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Grading Construction information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do grading construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading construction in Rochester, NY is $24.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What is a grading crew in construction?

A grading crew in construction is a team responsible for leveling and preparing the land surface before building begins. They operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and excavators to ensure the ground is properly shaped for foundations, drainage, and other structural elements. This work requires knowledge of grading techniques, soil types, and safety procedures.

What is the highest paid job in construction?

In construction, the highest paid roles are often project managers, construction executives, or specialized engineers such as petroleum or aerospace engineers, depending on the industry and project scope. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often oversee large projects with significant budgets.

What is a grading laborer?

A grading laborer is a construction worker who assists with site preparation by moving, leveling, and excavating soil and materials using hand tools and machinery. They work under the supervision of heavy equipment operators and may need to operate basic tools or equipment, often requiring physical strength and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are grading construction jobs?

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 is grading work in construction?

Grading work in construction involves leveling and shaping the ground surface to prepare for foundations, roads, or landscaping. It requires knowledge of soil properties, use of equipment like bulldozers and graders, and often requires safety certifications. Proper grading ensures stability and proper drainage for the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Grading Construction, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Grading Construction jobs in Rochester, NY? For Grading Construction jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grading Construction jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Grading Construction jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Grading Construction jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Grading Construction job openings:
Infographic showing various Grading Construction job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,837 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Paving/Grading Laborer

Paving/Grading Laborer

Ruston Paving Co, Inc.

Farmington, NY • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Ruston Paving rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

If you are looking for…

…an innovative company, built on a foundation of teamwork, safety, and excellence, Ruston Paving is for you!

We are looking for…

…someone who is ready to work hard, be a team player, and show up each day with a positive attitude to motivate others! You don’t need to be the best. You just have to be willing and eager to learn from our skilled team!

Employee Benefits

Ruston Paving is 100% Employee-Owned through an ESOP! Come work for a company where your hard work truly pays off!

Our most important asset is our people! When you work for Ruston Paving, we are dedicated to giving you more than just a job. We want to ensure a career with well-rounded benefits for you and your family. With this, we proudly offer a variety of great benefits such as:

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan!

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Account with Employer Contributions

  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match

  • Double Time Saturdays

  • Bonus Incentives and Allowances

  • And many more!


On the go? You can text to apply!

Simply text PAVE1 to 315-918-PAVE (7283).


PAVING AND GRADING LABORER

Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour

About the Company

Ruston Paving is a commercial and industrial paving construction contractor with offices in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Established in 1943, we are a family-oriented company that has been in business for three generations. Our company is capable of all types of asphalt paving projects ranging from minor repairs to larger projects incorporating asphalt reclamation and recycling, as well as new construction.

General Summary of the Position

Teamwork is a major part of every position at Ruston Paving, so it is important to note that, aside from all other listed responsibilities, you must be willing to assist others and be as productive as possible. The paving and grading laborer will perform tasks involving physically demanding labor and may require operation of various hand and power tools. It may also require several cleaning tasks, such as preparing the work site, cleaning up rubble and debris, and removing waste materials.

Essential Functions

The following are a list of essential functions for the position. These are responsibilities that an individual must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation.

  1. Perform a variety of tasks involving strenuous manual labor in the preparation and construction of site work and paving projects.
  2. Hand shovel, rake, or lute asphalt, aggregate, and dirt into construction area while dispersing and leveling material to desired outcome.
  3. Assist in patching and compacting asphalt, aggregate, and dirt.
  4. Clean, sweep, excavate and fill holes, trenches and ditches using various hand tools such as shovels, brooms, picks and jackhammers.
  5. Load and unload trucks and haul and hoist materials.
  6. Material handling inclusive of lifting, relocating, mixing/blending and application of construction materials and supplies for project use and storage.
  7. Maintain a clean jobsite by picking up all tools/equipment and securing the job site each day in order to eliminate potential hazards.
  8. Ensure that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed.
  9. All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Although experience on construction sites or in a similar setting is a plus, you do not have to be an expert to succeed with us! Our skilled team is eager to teach you everything you need to know to have a safe and eventful working experience with Ruston Paving. Here are some things we are looking for in a good candidate:

  1. Excitement and motivation for the workday ahead.
  2. Professionalism and willingness to take direction and constructive criticism in the field.
  3. Prioritizes the safety of every individual on the job site.
  4. Expresses a genuine interest in the thoughts, opinions, and needs of coworkers and customers.
  5. Some knowledge of proper use of equipment, materials and supplies used in construction work.
  6. General knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
  7. Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely. Ruston Paving does not tolerate short cuts in safety.
  8. Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
  9. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
  10. Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
  11. Ability to meet attendance standards with dependability and consistency.
  12. Ability to perform job requirements in adverse field and weather conditions.

Education and Experience

  1. Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the work as described.
  2. Valid in-state driver’s license (or the ability to obtain said license) is preferred.

Additional Requirements and Benefits

  1. Employee shifts start and end at the local division office/shop. Transportation to and from the job site is provided.
  2. We pride ourselves on our clean appearance on every job site! Laundered uniforms and personal protective equipment are provided and must be worn in accordance with the company policy.
  3. Although it does not occur very often, projects may require out of town overnight stays. Per diem pay is offered when these projects occur.
  4. We provide double time pay for weekend work.
  5. Employees may be sent to other facility locations and operations to perform duties as required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The safety of our employees is the most important focus every day! The following context is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

  1. Employees are regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Noise level is generally loud.
  2. Employees are regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  3. Employees may occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 lbs.
  4. Must be able to quickly move arms and legs.
  5. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  6. Excellent stamina is required.

Conditions of Employment

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a negative pre-employment drug screen and certain background checks which, unless prohibited by applicable law, may include criminal history checks, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks, and fingerprinting.

Disclaimers

This description is not meant to cover every part of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change any time with or without notice.

Ruston Paving provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

* Signing bonus, if offered, applies to direct applicants only; not available to candidates submitted by recruiters. Details, if applicable, will be in the offer letter.


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