ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grading Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

United States Army

Construction Equipment Operator

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $27.25/hr

Your expertise in equipment operation, terrain assessment, and precision grading will ensure every project meets high safety and engineering standards. Your skills will directly impact your team ...

United States Army

Construction Equipment Operator

Hebron, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Your expertise in equipment operation, terrain assessment, and precision grading will ensure every project meets high safety and engineering standards. Your skills will directly impact your team ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGrading Operator JobsGrading Operator Jobs in Illinois

Grading Operator information

What does a grading operator do?

A Grading Operator is responsible for operating machinery that sorts, classifies, or grades products based on size, weight, quality, or other criteria. This role is commonly found in industries like agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. Grading Operators monitor equipment, ensure accurate sorting, and may also perform basic maintenance or troubleshooting. Their work helps ensure that products meet required standards before they move on to the next stage of production or distribution.

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

To thrive as a Grading Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, site grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, graders, and GPS or laser-guided control systems is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, precise, and efficient site preparation crucial for construction and infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges grading operators face, and how can they overcome them?

Grading Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under time pressure and adapting to changing production demands. Staying focused and adhering to quality standards is crucial, as even small errors can impact the final product. Many Grading Operators find it helpful to develop strong attention to detail and communicate regularly with team members to address any issues promptly. Ongoing training and familiarity with grading equipment also play an important role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Grading Operator vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectGrading OperatorQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in grading standardsHigh school diploma, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing plants, manufacturing linesFactories, inspection stations, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood, agricultural, or commodity industriesManufacturing, food processing, industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in product evaluation and sortingCompared for roles focused on quality assurance and defect detection

The main difference is that a Grading Operator primarily assesses and sorts products based on quality standards, while a Quality Control Inspector focuses on inspecting products for defects and ensuring compliance with quality specifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and processing industries but serve different functions in maintaining product standards.

What kind of companies hire grading operators?

Grading operators are typically hired by companies involved in agriculture, food processing, or manufacturing industries that require sorting and grading of products such as produce, meat, or other goods. These companies often operate in environments where attention to detail and knowledge of grading standards are essential, and they may require familiarity with grading tools or machinery.

What are popular job titles related to Grading Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Grading Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Grading Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Grading Operator job openings:

Grading Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Heavy Equipment Operator - CDL-A

West Chicago, IL • On-site

Qualdoc
Strategic Planning Consulting Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Qualdocexternal

$26/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour (Higher pay available depending on experience)
Schedule: Full-Time \u007C 24/7 On-Call

Job Overview

We are seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator to support emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations throughout the region.

This is not an over-the-road driving position. Driving typically accounts for only about 10% of the job. The majority of the work involves operating heavy construction equipment, handling materials, assisting with rerailing and track work, and performing physical labor at job sites.

When not responding to emergency calls, team members may work at the shop completing equipment maintenance, safety training, inspections, and preventive maintenance.

40 hours are guaranteed each week, with significant overtime. The average workweek is approximately 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

Compensation
  • Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
  • Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
  • Per diem
  • Hotel expenses for travel
  • Layover pay when applicable
What You'll Do
  • Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments, including weekends and holidays.
  • Complete DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
  • Transport equipment and materials to and from work sites and verify loads and transportation permits.
  • Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
  • Load, unload, stage, secure, and relocate equipment and materials.
  • Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, and track maintenance, repair, grading, and new construction.
  • Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
  • Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform minor equipment and vehicle servicing and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, job-site cleanup, and material organization.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home location.
  • Follow all safety procedures and maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Work cooperatively with other departments and perform additional duties as needed.
Requirements
  • Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
  • Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor environment.
  • Ability and willingness to work in an on-call, 24/7 emergency response environment, including weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
  • Comfortable performing physical labor and working around heavy machinery.
  • 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience preferred, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
  • Drug screen
  • Background check

Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Qualdoc logo

About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

View All Qualdoc Jobs