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Grading Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers, Inc

Fine Grade Dozer Operator

Paoli, PA · On-site

Minimum 3 years of experience operating dozers for fine grading in heavy civil construction ... Experience in site grading, mass excavation, mainline pipe installation, or processed water ...

EMR Metal Recycling

Ferrous Scale Operator

Bristol, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

About the Opportunity As a Scale Operator/Weighmaster, you'll play an important role in our daily operations by accurately weighing, grading, and recording incoming and outgoing scrap metal materials.

Invited Clubs

Equipment Operator

Avondale, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... grading, preparing soil, and planting. Additional Duties * Due to the dynamic nature of the club ... A minimum of 1 year of experience operating equipment in a golf course or landscaping environment.

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All JobsGrading Operator JobsGrading Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Grading Operator information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Philadelphia, PA is $23.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $27.16 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 Philadelphia, PA?

For Grading Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Grading Operator jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Grading Operator job openings:

Grading Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,778 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Earthwork and Grading Foreman

Phoenixville, PA • On-site

Delaware Valley Paving Co. Inc
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Delaware Valley Paving Co. Incexternal

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Earthwork amp; Grading Foreman

Delaware Valley Paving has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Earthwork amp; Grading Foreman to lead field operations within our Excavation Division. This role is responsible for overseeing daily earthwork, grading, excavation, and site development activities while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to company quality standards.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong knowledge of sitework operations, equipment coordination, grade control, and crew management who can effectively communicate with operators, laborers, subcontractors, and project management teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Supervise and coordinate daily earthwork and grading operations on commercial and heavy civil construction projects
  • Lead crews performing excavation, rough grading, fine grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation
  • Read and interpret plans, blueprints, grades, and specifications
  • Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, utility contractors, surveyors, and subcontractors
  • Ensure projects remain on schedule while maintaining productivity and quality standards
  • Operate and oversee GPS machine control and grade stake interpretation when applicable
  • Monitor jobsite safety and enforce company safety policies and OSHA standards
  • Conduct daily jobsite planning, safety talks, and crew assignments
  • Coordinate equipment, trucking, materials, and manpower needs
  • Identify and resolve field issues proactively to minimize delays
  • Maintain accurate daily reports, production tracking, and documentation
  • Train and mentor crew members and equipment operators
  • Ensure proper care and maintenance of equipment and tools
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in excavation, grading, and site development operations
  • Previous foreman or crew leadership experience strongly preferred
  • Strong understanding of earthmoving operations, site balancing, drainage, and grading techniques
  • Ability to read construction plans, elevations, and grade stakes
  • Experience working with GPS machine control systems preferred
  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced construction environment and adapt to changing field conditions
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and excavation safety practices
  • Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly desirable
Preferred Experience
  • Commercial site development
  • Heavy civil construction
  • Utility excavation and stormwater installation
  • Roadway and paving preparation
  • Coordination of multiple crews and subcontractors
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work extended hours and occasional weekends as project demands require
Why Join Delaware Valley Paving?
  • Competitive compensation
  • Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding company
  • Diverse projects across multiple markets
  • Team-oriented culture focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence
  • Opportunity to work with modern equipment and evolving construction technology

Delaware Valley Paving is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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