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Motor Grader Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Landfill Operator, Class A

Richmond, IN · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Monitors, receives, sorts, organizes, and grades incoming waste and recyclable material. * Grinds ... operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work ...

New

... slope grade lasers, sondes for tile tracing, operating underground cameras, slope levels, and ... and motor grader. * Working knowledge of repair and proper installation of the water run off ...

Showing results 41-60

Motor Grader Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$16

$29

How much do motor grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor grader operator in Indiana is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.96 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a motor grader operator do?

A Motor Grader Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery known as a motor grader to create a smooth, flat surface during road construction, maintenance, or other large-scale civil engineering projects. Their tasks include spreading and leveling materials such as gravel or asphalt, shaping roadways, and ensuring proper drainage. Operators must have a solid understanding of grading plans, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance to perform their job efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Motor Grader Operator vs Bulldozer Operator?

AspectMotor Grader OperatorBulldozer Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, certification in equipment operationSimilar certifications, often CDL or specific heavy equipment licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road maintenance, grading projectsConstruction sites, land clearing, excavation projects
Industry UsageRoad construction, maintenance, landscapingEarthmoving, demolition, site preparation

Both Motor Grader Operators and Bulldozer Operators work in construction and earthmoving environments, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in their equipment and tasks: Motor Grader Operators focus on precise grading and finishing surfaces, while Bulldozer Operators handle heavy pushing and land clearing. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by motor grader operators on construction sites?

Motor Grader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing uneven or unstable terrain, and maintaining precise grading to meet project specifications. Operators must also coordinate closely with other crew members and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency on busy job sites. Staying attentive to both machine maintenance and changing site conditions is key to preventing delays and ensuring high-quality results.

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

To thrive as a Motor Grader Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or vocational training. Familiarity with motor grader controls, GPS grading systems, and adherence to safety regulations are essential technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators efficiently coordinate with team members and adjust to varying site conditions. These competencies ensure precise grading, safe work environments, and efficient project completion in construction and roadwork settings.

What is a motor grader operator?

A motor grader operator mixes materials and operates a grader and other heavy equipment to spread and level materials such as gravel, stone, and dirt to prep and construct roads. In this role, your responsibilities include meeting grade specs for freeways, public and temporary streets, airports, and more. You maneuver equipment to complete fine or rough grade finishing and adhere to all safety requirements when operating machinery, which can be self-propelled or drawn by a tractor. Other duties include cleaning and performing safety checks and maintenance on all equipment, training new employees, and completing other construction tasks as assigned. Some employers require your attendance at safety meetings as well.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motor Grader Operator jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Motor Grader Operator jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in Indiana?

For Motor Grader Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in IN?

For Motor Grader Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Motor Grader Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,813 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator

Clean Harbors

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Clean Harbors’ National Remediation team is seeking Traveling Heavy Equipment Operators. The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate a variety of equipment, such as, backhoes, bulldozers, loader, screeners, excavators as well as other equipment. Candidates must also be willing and able to perform manual labor as required. 
Travel Requirements: Equipment Operator (95-100% Travel). The typical travel rotation for this group is 6 weeks out on a project (not coming home on weekends) and then 1 week off. Flying is required to get to project locations unless it is a local job.

Location: Indiana preferred all other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Pay Info: $26-32 DOE

Per Diem available while traveling, individual accommodations provided- single occupancy room with kitchenette- typically a long-term type of hotel property. Prevailing wage and overtime available depending on the job site.

**Year-round consistent work with time off every 6 weeks to recharge. 
Position Overview:

  • The Heavy Equipment Operator (Traveling) operates heavy equipment such as bulldozers, compactors, excavators, etc.
  • This individual will work either at a Clean Harbors facility or at a customer location. 
  • This position will require 95% travel in all 48 contiguous states (all travel expenses are covered). 

Why work for Clean Harbors?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5;
  • Competitive wages - Based on Experience;
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment;
  • Group 401K with company matching component;
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement;
  • Positive and safe work environments;
  • Opportunities for advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Competent and proficient operation of the following: excavator (60K LB and up), front end loader (3CY and up), articulating dump truck (25CY and up), bulldozer (150HP and up), motor grader, soil compactor, articulating water truck, compact loader, compact excavator, and other construction equipment.  Minimum of 10-years of experience operating this type of equipment;
  • Operating machinery like the following: backhoe, front end loader, excavator, bulldozer, track-hoe, and compactor;
  • Operates a heavy-duty forklift as required;
  • Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with Standard Operating Procedures;
  • Complete and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking.
  • Perform occasional labor work;
  • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;
  • Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

What does it take to work for Clean Harbors?

  • 3+ years of previous experience in operating heavy equipment required;
  • Previous experience operating Bull Dozers, and Excavators required;
  • Previous construction experience (Earthworks) preferred;
  • Must be able to travel 95-100% - Schedule 6 weeks traveling followed by 1-week home PAID;
  • Current valid driver license with an acceptable driving record required.

Physical Requirements

  • This position is physically demanding, and candidates must be able to navigate varying site conditions where steep slopes and rugged terrain may be present and walk several miles per day. Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted and wear personal protective equipment that may restrict movement, when required.
  • Requires walking and standing for extended periods of time, sitting in equipment that may vibrate or jostle, climbing and working at heights, pulling/pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, crawling, stooping, crouching, and balance. Requires speaking, listening, understanding, and writing English; color determination, depth perception, clarity of vision, and 20/20 eyesight (corrected or uncorrected).
  • Maintains a clean and organized work environment, and a clean personal appearance. Facial hair must always comply with the company’s respiratory protection facial hair policy.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.  

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.  

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.  

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.  

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.  

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US