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Land Grading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRB HOMES

Director of Land Development

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... for land grading, inst alli ng streets, curbs and gutters, controlling costs and scrutinizing contractsPrepare bid packages and negotiate all land development contracts for this region while ...

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Jones Land Developers

Grading Foreman

Macon, GA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Join Jones Land Developers as a Grading Foreman in Macon, GA, where you will lead a dedicated team in shaping the land for exciting new projects. This role is perfect for those who thrive in a ...

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Land Grading information

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$33.5K

$105.6K

$184K

How much do land grading jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for land grading in the United States is $105,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by land grading professionals on construction sites?

Land grading professionals often encounter challenges such as working with uneven or unstable soil conditions, managing drainage to prevent future water issues, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and project specifications. Coordination with other site contractors, such as surveyors and excavation crews, is crucial to maintain timelines and accuracy. Being adaptable and detail-oriented helps address unexpected site conditions while keeping the project on schedule.

What is the difference between Land Grading vs Excavator Operator?

AspectLand GradingExcavator Operator
Primary RoleLeveling and shaping land surfaces for construction or landscapingOperating excavators for digging, lifting, and moving materials
Required SkillsSurveying, grading techniques, knowledge of soil typesMachine operation, safety protocols, equipment maintenance
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping projectsConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, grading certifications often preferredHeavy equipment operation licenses, excavator certification

While both roles involve heavy machinery, Land Grading focuses on preparing land surfaces for construction or landscaping, requiring knowledge of grading techniques. Excavator Operators primarily operate excavators for digging and material movement. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is land grading?

Land grading is the process of leveling or sloping the ground to prepare a construction site, improve drainage, or prevent erosion. It involves removing or adding soil to create the desired landscape contours. Proper land grading ensures water flows away from structures, helping to avoid flooding and foundation problems. This process is commonly used for building sites, landscaping projects, and agricultural land preparation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land grading operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Grading Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy equipment, interpreting site plans, and understanding soil composition, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, laser levels, and construction safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure precise land preparation, project efficiency, and safety on construction sites.
More about Land Grading jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Grading jobs? Cities with the most Land Grading job openings:
What states have the most Land Grading jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Grading jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Land Grading jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Land Grading jobs are:
Land Grading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Grading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,585 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Director of Land Development

DRB HOMES

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:This position is responsible for the planning and directing of division land business including acquisitions, planning, design, entitlement and development. Maintaining excellent communications with appropriate public agencies, utilities, internal organization, and staff members is required.Duties and ResponsibilitiesLand DevelopmentOversees the land development function, strategic objectives and designs methodology to achieve Company goalsDevelops the annual Land department budgets and schedulesProvides leadership, direction and management of department functions, policies and proceduresProvides skills and expertise to the division by building, developing, and managing a land development teamAligns business plans with organizational objectivesEstablish and foster professional relationships with state, county and city inspectors and officials to maximize productivity of development sitesFor the Washington Division, this position has sole responsibility for preparing land for lot subdividing by consulting with engineers; soliciting, analyzing, and awarding bids, arranging for land grading, inst alli ng streets, curbs and gutters, controlling costs and scrutinizing contractsPrepare bid packages and negotiate all land development contracts for this region while overseeing this same function for the companyInspect development site to ensure site is progressing according to plan and schedule; maintain a job activity log and produce weekly reportsManage development costs; ensure costs are within budget constraintsAssist with application and securing bond and permits; follow up on bond reductionsReview and comprehend engineering drawings with emphasis on cost reductionsCoordinate resolution of land development issues affecting house construction (e.g. structural pads, paving, sediment control, lot balance)Resolve and follow-up on development issues when community is closed outMaintain and monitor proper subdivision appearanceQUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge and SkillsA demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through othersAn ability to think ahead and plan over a 1-2-year time span as well as a long range 5-year time frameThe ability to organize and manage multiple prioritiesProblem analysis/resolution skills at the strategic and functional levelEvaluation of the staff group structure and team plan for continual improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as providing individuals with professional and personal growthMust have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacyMust have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing and spreadsheets (MSWord, Excel)Strong land negotiation and contract skillsKnowledge of market trends, pricing, growth and supplyKnowledge of local, county, state and federal regulationsBroad functional experience in areas of blueprints and specifications, general knowledge of homebuilding financials and systemsEducation and Work ExperienceBachelor’s Degree in related field and minimum 7 years experience within the homebuilding industry with concentration in Land & Entitlement OR equivalent combination of education and/or work experienceExposure to residential homebuilding or land development environment is required #J-18808-Ljbffr

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