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Grading Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

SST Direct

Civil Construction Foreman

Columbia, SC · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

Strong knowledge of grading, excavation, utility installation, road construction, and site preparation * Experience operating and overseeing heavy equipment operations * Ability to read construction ...

SST Direct

Civil Superintendent

Columbia, SC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Oversee all field operations for grading, excavation, and site development projects * Lead and ... Heavy equipment operating experience * Erosion control and environmental compliance experience

SST Direct

Superintendent

Columbia, SC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Oversee all field operations for grading, excavation, and site development projects * Lead and ... Heavy equipment operating experience * Erosion control and environmental compliance experience

Blythe Development Co

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Blythe Development's operations include clearing, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer ... Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools ...

Blythe Development Co

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Blythe Development's operations include clearing, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer ... Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools ...

Blythe Development Co

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Blythe Development's operations include clearing, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer ... Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools ...

Blythe Development Co

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Blythe Development's operations include clearing, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer ... Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools ...

Strack, Inc.

Pipe Layer-SC

Blythewood, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Tasks include sealing joints between pipes, positioning pipes to be in the right places and grading ... Communicate with main line excavator operator to finish work & verify install * Responsible for ...

Southeastern College

Nursing Faculty-RN

Columbia, SC · On-site

Maintain rigor in the grading of assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. * Incorporate a variety ... Must have a current, unencumbered State license as a RN or Compact State RN license valid for ...

Southeastern College

Nursing Faculty-RN

Columbia, SC · On-site

Maintain rigor in the grading of assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. * Incorporate a variety ... Must have a current, unencumbered State license as a RN or Compact State RN license valid for ...

Southeastern College

Nursing Faculty-RN

Columbia, SC · On-site

Maintain rigor in the grading of assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. * Incorporate a variety ... Must have a current, unencumbered State license as a RN or Compact State RN license valid for ...

City of Aurora

Street Operations Specialist

North, SC

$28.10 - $35.12/hr

We do big asphalt patches and road grading so they stay in good condition. And when winter hits? W ... Performs snow and ice control operations shifts, acts as a lead for other department operators.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGrading Operator JobsGrading Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC

Grading Operator information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Columbia, SC is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Grading Operator jobs in Columbia, SC? For Grading Operator jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Grading Operator jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Grading Operator job openings:
Grading Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,637 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Highway Maintenance Worker II Medium Equipment Operator (61034541) ***Re-Advertisement***

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

State Of South Carolina rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Responsibilities ** THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY. YOUR APPLICATION IS STILL BEING CONSIDERED.

** At Richland Maintenance, operates tandem truck for hauling materials such as asphalt, limestone, dirt, soil, cement, pipe construction materials and debris. Assists in the operation of a motor grader in grading, machining shoulders, spreading and leveling materials in order to ensure proper drainage of roadway. Performs necessary hand work for ditching operations, such as shovel work dressing around mailboxes and cleaning dirt from mouth of pipe.

Coordinates the placement of traffic control devices to properly set up a maintenance work zone according to the SCDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Manual and Field Guide to warn motorists. Assists in emergency and inclement weather operations, to include operating medium or heavy duty equipment. May include being available for extended working hours or 12-hour shifts.

Minimum and Additional Requirements Six (6) months of related work experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. Necessary Special Requirement: A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required upon entry to the position. Requires attainment of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six (6) months of placement in the position.

The physical demands for the essential functions of this position involve bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, grasping and physically manipulating objects of varying size, shape, weight, and material. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. This position requires walking for extended periods, treading rough and uneven terrain, and working in close proximity to motoring traffic and natural environmental hazards.

May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during inclement weather and/or other departmental-related emergencies. Frequently exposed to outside environment in all weather conditions, noise, and oil or grease on a daily basis. Additional Comments May be required to work overtime, nighttime, and/or weekends during hazardous weather or emergencies.

Non-Discrimination Statement: The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

What State Of South Carolina employees say

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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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