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Grading Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

City of Clinton, TN

Light Equipment Operator

Clinton, TN · On-site

Equipment Operators are working operators and must perform manual labor. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS § ... grading, loading, clearing and grubbing, bush-hogging and other jobs. § Moves debris, dirt, or ...

AgCentral Co-Op

Fertilizer Plant Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

Ensure equipment is operating properly, clean, and promote a positive image of AgCentral Co-op ... May be required to maintain a current weighing license and grain grading certificate. Certain ...

Rogers Group

Dirt Crew Carpenter- Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Perform rough carpentry to support dirt crew operations, including erosion control and site preparation * Assist with layout, measuring, and grading preparations alongside operators and laborers

Pavement Restorations Inc.

Skilled Labor

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... grading, curb and gutter, structures, traffic control, etc. JOB DUTIES: The ability to perform ... Can periodically relieve equipment operator for breaks, and/or assist with equipment moves on ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Knoxville, TN · On-site

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

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All JobsGrading Operator JobsGrading Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Grading Operator information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Oak Ridge, TN is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.72 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 are popular job titles related to Grading Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Grading Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Grading Operator jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Grading Operator job openings:
Grading Operator jobs near you
Light Equipment Operator

Light Equipment Operator

City of Clinton, Tennessee

Clinton, TN

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs safe, efficient operation and care of heavy maintenance and construction equipment under general supervision. Equipment Operators are working operators and must perform manual labor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operates heavy equipment to include backhoes (front and rear), track hoe, bobcat, graders, bulldozers, and tractors to perform ditch and drainage work, installation of culverts and pipes, demolition of structures, road construction, grading, loading, clearing and grubbing, bush-hogging and other jobs.

Moves debris, dirt, or other material from one place to another to lay asphalt or adjust grade.

Shoots grade with transit or laser level.

Hauls, transports, loads and unloads various equipment, or other materials used in projects or at work sites; monitors status of materials under transport and retrieves any fallen debris/materials.

Comprehends and makes inferences from written material such as blueprints, drawings, layouts or other visual aids.

Maintains City property, streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way, including: mowing, trimming, litter collection, brush removal, leaf collection, tree trimming, snow removal, cleaning, painting, street sign maintenance, storm water drainage maintenance.

Operates maintenance and landscape equipment including power and hand tools.

Routinely inspects equipment for safety and mechanical problems.

Performs equipment checks, preventative maintenance and light repairs on equipment

Assists crews with concrete and asphalt in sidewalk and road repairs, includes operating an asphalt roller.

Assists with traffic control when working in high traffic areas of the City.

May assist with the supervision of a small crew, depending on assignment.

May assist with janitorial duties in the Public Works facility.

Attends job related trainings regarding equipment safety, repair and construction techniques.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a storm or declared emergency.)

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of functions, operating methods, and preventive maintenance for a wide variety of light and heavy construction equipment.

Knowledge of working under hazardous conditions associated with electricity, moving traffic, and underground utilities.

Knowledge of grounds maintenance tools, equipment and methods.

Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

Ability to learn a good working knowledge of the overall operation of the City of Clinton Public Works Department, including familiarity with the location of all city streets, alleys, sidewalks, storm sewers, drainage systems, rights-of-way boundaries, and corporate city limits.

Ability to utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.

Ability to follow oral/written instructions and communicate effectively.

Ability to perform labor intensive work within difficult environmental conditions.

Ability to work on-call work, overtime, nights and weekends.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Education and Experience:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
  • Minimum four (4) to six (6) years construction or public works experience.
  • Minimum four (4) to six (6) years verifiable directly related experience in equipment operation.

(A comparable amount of training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver's license by date of hire.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain within six months, a Tennessee Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Occasional=1-3 Hrs; Frequent=3-5 Hrs; Constant=5-8 Hrs - Per Work Day)

Constant outdoor work in all climates, temperatures, and weather conditions. Frequent standing and walking for extended periods of time. Frequently sits. Frequent exposure to dirt, mud and noise. Frequent working in deep ditches, operating equipment, and working in traffic. Constant use of hands to handle objects, reaching with hands and arms. Frequently stoops, kneels, crawls, climbs and balances. Frequent exposure to moderate to loud noise. Occasional lifting up to 75 pounds and in some cases, may be required to lift up to 100 pounds. Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and snow. Work requires good depth perception and color vision.

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