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Grading Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable ...

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable ...

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable ...

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable ...

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable ...

Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans. * Develop erosion and sediment control ... Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go‑to for utilities and mobile operators who need ...

Experience in mass grading and linear projects. * Stays current on software updates and advises ... Focuses a significant effort to mentoring lower-level CAD Operators. Provides solutions to unique ...

Civil Engineer - Mid-Level

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69K - $99K/yr

Prepare site layout, grading, and drainage designs. * Design storm sewer systems, roads, trackwork ... operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 ...

Trail maintenance including debris removal, grading, and renovation. * Park pavilions, restrooms ... Manual dexterity and strength to operate power-operated machines and equipment. * Regular onsite ...

Showing results 41-60

Grading Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Chicago, IL is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Grading Operator jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Grading Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,817 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Substation Civil Site Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Substation Civil Site Engineer to work remotely supporting our Chicago, IL office.

In this role, you will work alongside Civil engineers and designers to develop site design drawing packages and supporting documentation for electric utility substation projects. Projects range from greenfield substations to brownfield expansions and require coordination with multiple engineering disciplines. (While substation experience is preferred, it is not required)

Responsibilities Include:

  • Develop new and modify existing substation civil site plan drawings.
  • Prepare grading, drainage, and stormwater management plans.
  • Develop erosion and sediment control plans in accordance with local and state requirements.
  • Prepare roadway, access drive, and site layout plans.
  • Perform earthwork grading and cut/fill balancing using Civil 3D or OpenRoads/MicroStation workflows.
  • Perform AutoTURN analyses for construction and maintenance vehicle access.
  • Prepare utility layouts including storm sewer, sanitary, and water service plans where required.
  • Develop permit-ready civil drawing packages for utility and agency review.
  • Assist with preparation of permitting exhibits and support environmental and jurisdictional permitting efforts.
  • Coordinate with surveyors, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and substation electrical teams.
  • Review civil-related vendor drawings and incorporate comments as required.
  • Assist with quantity takeoffs and preparation of project deliverables.
  • Apply applicable client standards, local agency requirements, and industry best practices to all assignments.

Substation Civil Site Engineer Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology, Drafting Technology, or related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of civil site design experience using MicroStation.
  • Proficiency with MicroStation required.
  • Experience developing civil site plans for utility, industrial, commercial, or municipal projects.
  • Working knowledge of grading design and earthwork calculations.
  • Experience preparing erosion and sediment control plans.
  • Familiarity with stormwater management principles and permitting requirements.
  • Experience performing AutoTURN vehicle turning analyses.
  • Understanding of site development permitting processes and agency coordination.
  • Ability to interpret survey and geotechnical information.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality deliverables.

Substation Civil Site Engineer Preferred Experience/Additional information:

  • Experience supporting electric utility substation projects.
  • Familiarity with utility client standards.
  • Experience with HEC-RAS, Hydraflow, HydroCAD, or similar hydrology software.
  • Knowledge of SWPPP preparation and stormwater permitting requirements.
  • Experience coordinating local, county, and state permitting agencies.

At Leidos, we pride ourselves on being a trusted and technology-focused solutions provider. Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable power and telecommunication expertise. We've worked with over 50 investor-owned utilities, over 160 municipals/cooperatives, and we're continuing to expand our reach. Plus, we've got an amazing group of industry-leading construction partners who help us deliver meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader has been confirmed time and time again. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked Leidos among the Top 10 T&D Firms and Top 10 Power Firms.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. Your greatest work is ahead!

PDSSUBSTATION

PowerDelivery

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:September 4, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

#Remote


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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