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Grading Operator Jobs in Elizabethtown, KY (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Equipment Operator works under the direction of Foremen and Superintendents and plays a ... Perform excavation for pole foundations, trenching for conduit, and site grading. * Assist with ...

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

General Information Job ID ATR62973 Posting Job Title Forklift Operator Locations KY Louisville ... Material grading * Placing processed material into inventory storage * Monitor bale weights

Forklift Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

General Information Job ID ATR62973 Posting Job Title Forklift Operator Locations KY Louisville ... Material grading * Placing processed material into inventory storage * Monitor bale weights

Backfill Operator

Louisville, KY

$16.75 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Backfill ...

Filmmaking Tutor

Louisville, KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... grading while preparing students for film courses, festival submissions, and media production ... Guides students through writing screenplays, storyboarding scenes, operating cameras, setting up ...

Grading Operator information

See Elizabethtown, KY salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Elizabethtown, KY is $21.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.71 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 Elizabethtown, KY? For Grading Operator jobs in Elizabethtown, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Equipment Operator

Arrow Electric Co LLC

Louisville, KY • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Come Energize your Career with Arrow Electric!
We are growing and looking for talent to grow with us.
Since 1957, Arrow Electric has provided trustworthy, dependable, and cost-effective Electrical, Installations, and Services with the highest quality workmanship. We embrace expanding technologies and maintain a highly trained workforce to keep us at the forefront of our industry.
Arrow Electric highly values our Team Members, striving to put employees first and continually working for better ways to improve the Employee Experience. As a company, Arrow Electric is large enough to offer a truly diverse set of work environments ranging in size and scope but still provide individual career attention that focuses on your personal growth towards success.
When you join the Arrow Team, you are joining a company that lives and breathes its Core Values and one driven each day by our Core Purpose: "Empowering Our People To Power Our Partners and Communities."
We will set goals and expectations. We will challenge you to achieve personal excellence.
That is the One Arrow Way to Career Success that comes with Arrow Opportunity!
Position Summary
The Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of construction equipment used in roadway electrical infrastructure, traffic signal installations, lighting systems, and underground utility projects. This role supports excavation, material handling, site preparation, and installation activities across a variety of project types and sizes.
The Equipment Operator works under the direction of Foremen and Superintendents and plays a critical role in executing production goals while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance with project specifications and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) standards when applicable.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to:
    • Excavators
    • Backhoes
    • Skid steers
    • Loaders
    • Trencher equipment
    • Articulating and straight-frame machines
  • Perform excavation for pole foundations, trenching for conduit, and site grading.
  • Assist with installation of underground conduit, duct banks, pull boxes, and handholes.
  • Handle and place materials such as gravel, stone, backfill, and structural components.
  • Read and interpret basic construction plans, grade stakes, and layout markings.
  • Coordinate with Foremen, Electricians, and crew members to complete assigned tasks.
  • Perform equipment inspections, including pre-trip and post-trip checks.
  • Identify underground utilities and maintain safe excavation practices.
  • Assist in loading, unloading, and staging materials and equipment.
  • Maintain awareness of site conditions, slopes, grades, and surrounding hazards.
  • Support site preparation and restoration activities as required.
  • Communicate equipment needs, issues, or hazards to supervision promptly.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • 2-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments preferred.
  • Experience in roadway, utility, or electrical construction is a plus.
  • Basic understanding of construction practices, excavation methods, and site grading.
  • Ability to read basic plans, grade stakes, or layout instructions.

Additional Requirements, Skills, Abilities
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record (CDL preferred depending on equipment and hauling responsibilities).
  • Ability to travel to job sites across the region.
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and overtime as required.
  • Ability to pass drug and alcohol screenings if required.
  • Ability to obtain additional certifications (e.g., equipment operation certifications, safety training).
  • Equipment Proficiency: Skilled in operating multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Spatial Awareness: Ability to judge distances, depths, and alignments accurately.
  • Technical Understanding: Basic knowledge of excavation, grading, and underground utility installation.
  • Communication: Works effectively with Foremen and crew members.
  • Problem-Solving: Adjusts operations based on soil conditions, site constraints, and project needs.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in excavation and material placement.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to identify equipment issues and perform minor maintenance.
  • Time Management: Ability to meet production targets and maintain schedule expectations.

WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive Wages
  • Health Insurance: 3 plans to choose from through United Health Care (Effective Date of Hire)
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability (Company Provided)
  • Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
  • Employee Paid Policies Available: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Policies
  • 401(k) with Company Matching: (Effective Date of Hire)
  • Paid Holidays (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
  • Paid Time Off (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Jury Duty Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Performance Evaluations Program
  • Arrow SWAG Store (Company-Logo Clothing and Merchandise)
  • Power Tool Incentive Program
  • Safety, Skills, and Leadership Development/Training
  • Electrical License Continuing Education and Renewals Paid

One Team! One Arrow!