1

Grading Operator Jobs in Griffith, IN (NOW HIRING)

Road grading, ditch cleaning, trench excavation, movement, stockpiling, loading of aggregate/snow ... Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to ...

This is both a working and operating lead position with physical labor, and support tasking ... Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery ...

Civil Project Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Produce conceptual mass grading plans and earthwork calculations to support internal project ...

Civil Project Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Produce conceptual mass grading plans and earthwork calculations to support internal project ...

... repair, grading or other work in preparation for railroad construction and related activities ... Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe ...

... repair, grading or other work in preparation for railroad construction and related activities ... Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe ...

Technical Trainer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$33.50 - $44.50/hr

Participate in classroom setup, lab and exam grading, and course question follow-up * Facilitate ... Excellent knowledge of Windows operating systems and virtual machines * Excellent knowledge of ...

Technical Trainer

Chicago, IL

$33.50 - $44.50/hr

Participate in classroom setup, lab and exam grading, and course question follow-up * Facilitate ... Excellent knowledge of Windows operating systems and virtual machines * Excellent knowledge of ...

Technical Trainer

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$33.25 - $44.25/hr

Participate in classroom setup, lab and exam grading, and course question follow-up * Facilitate ... Excellent knowledge of Windows operating systems and virtual machines * Excellent knowledge of ...

Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and equipment * Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading ...

Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and equipment * Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading ...

Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and equipment * Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Grading Operator information

See Griffith, IN salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Griffith, IN is $21.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the career path for grader operators?

Grader operators can advance to supervisory roles, equipment supervisors, or maintenance managers with experience and additional training. Gaining certifications in equipment operation and safety can also open opportunities for higher-level positions or specialized roles within construction or mining industries.

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 is the highest paid equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including crane, bulldozer, and excavator operators, tend to be among the highest paid in the industry, especially those with specialized skills and certifications. Crane operators, in particular, often earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements of their work. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of equipment operated.

How much do Motor Grader operators make?

Motor Grader operators in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $20 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $52,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Certain high-paying roles such as specialized contractors, freelance consultants, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers can earn around $700 a day, especially with experience and certifications. These jobs often require specific skills, tools, or licensing and may involve project-based or hourly work in demanding environments.
What cities near Griffith, IN are hiring for Grading Operator jobs? Cities near Griffith, IN with the most Grading Operator job openings:
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Amentum Services, Inc.

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success.

Position Responsibilities

All Heavy Equipment Operators:

  • Implements and maintains a safe workplace program and ensures that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.
  • Is responsible for the safe and technically proficient operation of heavy and light equipment such as bulldozers, articulating loaders, excavators, graders, backhoes, fork-lifts, trenchers, snow blasters, traverse equipment, tracked agricultural tractors, PistenBully, Mattracks, dump trucks, snow moving and grooming equipment, etc.
  • Operates heavy equipment as required, including but not limited to the following activities in both dirt and snow: Road grading, ditch cleaning, trench excavation, movement, stockpiling, loading of aggregate/snow, snow plowing, snow removal, loading/unloading of trucks/trailers, material handling, disabled vehicle recovery, road construction and maintenance, airfield construction and maintenance, loading/unloading of shipping containers.
  • Performs physical activities daily including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of tall vehicles/heavy equipment, crawling as needed, working outdoors in extreme cold, snow shoveling, ice-chipping, walking long distances daily and other forms of manual labor are required.
  • Performs daily equipment checks to ensure all equipment is properly maintained and in safe operating condition. Notates any repair or maintenance needs on the daily check list and notifies foreman of these items daily. Checks all fluids and immediately notifies the foreman or supervisor of any deficiencies and takes corrective action prior to operation.
  • Performs daily safety inspection per the manufacturers daily check list and performs minor maintenance as required prior to operation of any equipment.
  • Tracks equipment hours daily and notifies Fleet Operations, Traverse Shop Foreman, or immediate supervisor any time equipment is within 25 hours of its PM due hours.
  • Performs general duties as required in support of Fleet Operations and ASC.
  • Complies with all ASC Environmental Health & Safety and Quality Assurance requirements and goals.
  • Provides documentation to these divisions as necessary.
  • Works to achieve ASC goals and contractual commitments.
  • Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to operation.
  • Accurately records time worked, and equipment hours used daily in Maximo and timecard.
  • Performs other duties as required.

SPoT Only:

  • Operates heavy equipment as required, including the following activities: Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery operations, fueling bladders, loading/unloading cargo, perform basic maintenance on sleds and housing modules, runway construction and maintenance, recovery of science equipment including NASA payloads.
  • Operates on assigned traverse for no less than a 50 day duration to the South Pole and back at least once, (twice if assigned to SPOT 1 and 3).
  • Lubricates, checks fluids, and performs safety inspection and minor maintenance as required prior to operation of any equipment.
  • Arranges equipment maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations or as directed by the Vehicle Maintenance Facility and Supervisor, Fleet Operations.

Required Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Four years of experience as a heavy equipment operator

Expected Skills and Competencies:

  • Team player and group dynamics are of the utmost importance.

Preferred:

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Class "A" CDL Driver's License
  • A clear understanding of grade and drainage.
  • Rigging certifications.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
  • General knowledge and understanding of project schedules and planning.
  • Prior cold-climate equipment operations experience.
  • Snow grooming, moving experience.
  • Prior experience working in austere environments.
  • Prior supervisory/leadership experience, and/or project management experience.
  • Ability to thrive in an equipment and resource limited environment.

Physical and/or Other Requirements:

  • Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods
  • Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica
  • Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer
  • Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF
  • Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.
  • Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.
  • Must participate in community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores), "daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safety objectives.
  • Valid Driver's License issued in the United States
  • No clearance requirement but the contract and/or the site requires US Citizenship to be approved for access. (includes NACI / T1, MRPT, CAC): Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to job.

Boots Required: Yes