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Motor Grader Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Manatt's

Machine Control Specialist

Ankeny, IA

Manatt's machine control capabilities include dozers, motor graders, milling machines, trimmers ... Equipment operating experience. * Strong computer knowledge & efficiency. * Strong communication ...

Manatt's

Machine Control Specialist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Manatt's machine control capabilities include dozers, motor graders, milling machines, trimmers ... Equipment operating experience. * Strong computer knowledge & efficiency. * Strong communication ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and ... backhoes, graders, and front loader trucksSupport the operation of dump trucks for hauling ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and ... backhoes, graders, and front loader trucksSupport the operation of dump trucks for hauling ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and ... Follow safety protocols in accordance with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and ... Follow safety protocols in accordance with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and ... Follow safety protocols in accordance with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ...

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All JobsMotor Grader Operator JobsMotor Grader Operator Jobs in Iowa

Motor Grader Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$28

How much do motor grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor grader operator in Iowa is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.82 and $18.94 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.

More about Motor Grader Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in Iowa? For Motor Grader Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motor Grader Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Motor Grader Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in IA? For Motor Grader Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Motor Grader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motor Grader Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,376 per year, or $16 per hour.

Secondary Road Equipment Operator- Oto

Woodbury County, IA

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$29.37 - $30.63/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $29.37 - $30.63 Hourly
Location : Moville, IA
Job Type: FT
Job Number: 2026-0043
Department: Secondary Roads
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Woodbury County benefits include: IPERS. Great Health Insurance Benefit, Free Dental, Life & LTD Insurance, Sick leave benefits, Vacation, 10 Paid Holidays, 2 Personal Days, and a moving allowance is negotiable.
Responsible for the safe, efficient operation and routine maintenance of a variety of heavy and light equipment used in the construction and maintenance of Secondary Roads in accordance with State and County standards, and for the performance of duties as a laborer or any other work and/or duties pertinent to the aforesaid which may be assigned by a supervisor.
Duties
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned
  • Responsible for the safe and effective operation of scrapers, motor graders, bulldozers, end loaders, backhoes and trucks in carrying out duties of County Secondary Roads construction and maintenance work as directed or assigned by a Supervisor
  • Performs general road maintenance including snowplowing, road sanding, brush removal and other related work.
  • Performs routine maintenance on assigned equipment, such as lubrication and oil changes, checking engine levels and checking operating parts for safety and good working condition.
    Performs various other duties relating to scope of responsibility as assigned by County Engineer and/or District Maintenance Foreman.
  • Attendance is required

Required Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Functions:
  • Knowledge of and the ability to operate a variety of heavy and light equipment including scrapers, motor graders, bulldozers, front end loaders, backhoes and trucks
  • Knowledge of equipment maintenance specifications and the ability to perform the required maintenance
  • Knowledge of safety standards relative to scope of responsibilities
  • Practical knowledge of reading and interpreting grade stakes and blueprints
  • Ability to work with hands, to perform routine heavy manual labor (50 to 85 pounds of dead lifting and to walk stairs carrying 50 pounds) for extended periods under possibly adverse weather conditions
  • Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with co-workers and the general public
  • Must possess current Iowa Commercial driver's license and insurance.
  • Candidate for hire must successfully pass a background check, a physical examination, and drug screening test prior to employment
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Possession of an appropriate current Iowa Commercial driver's license and insurance. Candidate for hire must successfully pass a background check, a physical examination, and drug screening test prior to employment. The use of clearly spoken English for the skills and purposes of this job. Attendance is required.

Supplemental Information
Applicants for employment should contact the Human Resources Dept., Room 701 of the Woodbury County Court House between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information
A completed County application form, a resume and a copy of your commercial driver license are required.
Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., August 16th, 2026 or until filled
Woodbury County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health and well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits can vary depending on collective bargaining agreements. Woodbury County's competitive benefit package includes:
  • Health, Dental, Life & Long Term Disability
  • Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Paid vacation days
  • 10 Paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
  • Worker's Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending for Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Eye Insurance
  • Discounted membership rate for Four Seasons Health Club
For more information go to:
01
Do you have a copy of current CDL Drivers License.Copy of current CDL Drivers License must be attached otherwise application with NOT be forwarded)
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have your resume? THIS IS REQUIRED. THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE FORWARDED WITHOUT A RESUME
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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