ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grading Crew Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Heavy Equipment Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator This role involves operating heavy equipment on construction sites as part of a grading crew. You will primarily run bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, and front-end ...

Aerotek

Heavy Equipment Operator

Chester, VA

$24 - $28/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator This role involves operating heavy equipment on construction sites as part of a grading crew. You will primarily run bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, and front-end ...

RSG LANDSCAPING, LLC

Be Seen First

Grading Lead Equipment Operator

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

RSG Landscaping, LLC. is looking for an experienced Crew Leader for our grading division located in ... The Crew Leader supervises and works alongside crew members to successfully complete sitework ...

CRH

Skilled Labor - Grading

Chilhowie, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Skilled Labor - Grading AMAT Chilhowie, Virginia, United States Job ID: 527381 W-L Construction and ... Must partner with crew members per plan specifications, and if need be, perform tasks of other ...

CRH

Skilled Labor - Grading

Chilhowie, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

W-L performs all aspects of roadway construction including grading, paving, stone, concrete, and ... Must partner with crew members per plan specifications, and if need be, perform tasks of other ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGrading Crew JobsGrading Crew Jobs in Virginia

Grading Crew information

What is a grading crew?

Grading crews are teams of construction workers responsible for preparing and leveling land at construction sites. Their main tasks include operating heavy machinery like graders, bulldozers, and excavators to move soil, create slopes, and ensure the ground is properly shaped for building foundations, roads, or landscaping projects. Grading crews play a crucial role in ensuring that sites are safe, stable, and ready for the next phases of construction. They often work under the supervision of a site foreman or civil engineer and must follow strict safety and engineering guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grading crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grading Crew member, you need knowledge of construction site preparation, grading techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, such as bulldozers, graders, and laser leveling systems, is typically required, along with OSHA safety certifications. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals excel in coordinating tasks and maintaining site safety. These skills are vital for ensuring precise grading, project efficiency, and a safe work environment on construction sites.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a grading crew, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Grading crew members often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, operating heavy machinery safely, and maintaining precise measurements for site preparation. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to ensure safety and project accuracy, especially when coordinating with other construction crews. Staying updated on equipment maintenance and following safety protocols can help address these challenges, while ongoing training can enhance skills and career advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Grading Crew vs Excavator Operator?

AspectGrading CrewExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma; specialized excavator certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, on-siteConstruction sites, outdoor, on-site
Job RoleLeveling and preparing land surfacesOperating heavy machinery for digging and excavation
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, infrastructureConstruction, demolition, mining

While both roles work on construction sites, the grading crew primarily focuses on land leveling and surface preparation, whereas excavator operators handle digging, trenching, and material movement using heavy machinery. The grading crew often works as part of a team to prepare sites for construction, while excavator operators operate specialized equipment to perform excavation tasks. Both roles require safety training and are essential in construction projects, but they differ in specific skills and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Grading Crew jobs in Virginia?

For Grading Crew jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grading Crew jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Crew jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Grading Crew jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Grading Crew job openings:

Grading Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Crew job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Earthwork Grading Foreman

Curtis Contracting Inc (CCI)

Richmond, VA • On-site

$62K - $104K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Sun-up finds you on site in the Richmond area, radio on, crew gathered, and a major new project taking shape. As our Earthwork Grading Foreman, you’ll turn plans into finished grades—coordinating people, machines, and materials to hit schedule and budget targets with zero compromises on safety or quality. We have multiple openings tied to a large upcoming project and will connect quickly with qualified applicants.

What you’ll handle
  • Lead a grading crew with at least two direct reports, plus manage relevant subcontractor partners assigned to your work segment.
  • Own the daily plan: build schedules, assign tasks, verify attendance, and keep production moving.
  • Track progress in the field and confirm hours for payroll; prepare accurate time-and-materials reporting.
  • Delegate work, provide direction, and set clear expectations—coaching, training, and evaluating your team’s performance, including recommendations on promotions, transfers, and separations.
  • Champion jobsite safety and quality standards; ensure resources, equipment, and tooling are available and used properly.
  • Partner with the Superintendent to produce updates on safety and production, including written reports.
  • Guide safety orientations/indoctrinations and deliver real-time coaching for continuous improvement.
  • Execute the plan to meet schedule and budget: lay out cuts and fills, plan haul routes, maintain haul roads, and coordinate with inspectors so fills meet specification.
  • Perform and direct both rough and fine grading to documented tolerances.
  • Record and track production quantities with basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Office experience is a plus.
  • Pitch in on other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Management when needed to meet goals.
What you bring
  • Hands-on expertise operating a wide range of heavy equipment for dirt and sitework.
  • Deep knowledge of earthwork: excavation, grading, surveying, and final excavation—including bulk dirt grading, excavation, and large excavation/fine grading.
  • Proficiency operating machines and teaching others to run them safely and efficiently.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply drawings and specifications in the field.
  • Minimum age 18 and a valid driver’s license; high school diploma strongly preferred.
  • 3+ years in a construction supervisory capacity (preferred) and 5+ years in heavy civil construction.
  • Grade-checking proficiency using GPS, rotating lasers, stakes, and cut sheets; working knowledge of GPS tools for grading.
  • Thorough familiarity with DOT standards and regulations.
  • Clear communication with crews and subcontractors; able to convey information effectively.
  • Flexibility for overtime and variable shifts (day/night) and comfort working outdoors in all weather.
  • Physical capability for climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and material handling; able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Willingness to operate equipment or perform ground tasks to meet productivity targets.
  • Strong attention to detail and a solid command of safe work practices.
Benefits and tools you’ll use
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • 401K
  • Profit Sharing
  • Free Life Insurance
  • Sentera
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Truck w/gas card
  • Phone
  • iPad
About Curtis Contracting, Inc. (CCI)

Founded in 1985, CCI is a Class “A” contractor prequalified with VDOT, operating across Civil, Heavy Highway, Road & Bridge Maintenance, and Federal divisions. Our work is grounded in ethics, partnering, quality, integrity, safety, and environmental stewardship—principles that guide our leadership and day-to-day operations.

Compliance

Curtis Contracting, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Must pass drug screen.

Ready to lead from the front on a marquee Richmond project? Apply now—we’ll be in touch right away.