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Solar Grading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gridworks

Sr. Civil Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Are you meticulous in designing detailed site plans including grading, drainage, utilities, and access points for utility-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects? We are seeking ...

Atwell, LLC

Dream Job - Power & Energy

Atwell, NY · On-site +1

Solar Designer (site plans, grading coordination, racking/tracker layouts, plan set production) Tools: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PVcase, PVSyst/Helioscope (nice to have), Bluebeam * Interconnection ...

Kier & Wright

Renewable Engineering Intern

Austin, TX · On-site

Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting large-scale solar and energy storage projects ... Grading, drainage, and utility plans * Attending client meetings * Civil site design including ...

Strata Solar LLC

Civil Foreman

Shacklefords, VA

Must be willing to travel and be based on-site at any of our utility-scale solar or BESS sites ... Knowledge of installing basins, mass grading, excavation, stabilizing acreage, and maintaining site ...

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Solar Grading information

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$49K

$103K

$162.5K

How much do solar grading jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar grading in the United States is $102,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Grading Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Grading Technician, you need experience in site preparation, earthmoving, and familiarity with construction drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Proficiency with heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise preparation of sites for solar panel installation, which is critical for project success.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in solar grading, and how does this role contribute to successful solar project installations?

In a solar grading role, your daily tasks typically include operating heavy machinery to level and prepare land for solar panel installation, ensuring that the ground is stable and properly sloped for optimal panel alignment and drainage. You'll work closely with site engineers and construction teams to interpret site plans, address any unexpected terrain challenges, and maintain safety standards on-site. This role is critical to the overall success of a solar project, as precise grading directly impacts the structural integrity and efficiency of the solar array. Attention to detail and teamwork are essential, as you’ll collaborate with multiple trades throughout the installation process.

What is solar grading?

Solar grading refers to the process of preparing and leveling land for the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. This involves removing obstacles, shaping the terrain, and ensuring proper drainage to support solar arrays. Proper grading ensures stability, maximizes sunlight exposure, and helps prevent issues like erosion or water pooling around the solar equipment. It is a crucial step in constructing efficient and long-lasting solar energy systems.

What is the difference between Solar Grading vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar GradingSolar Installer
CredentialsTypically requires electrical or construction certificationsRequires electrical, roofing, or general construction certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on rooftops or solar sites, focusing on system assessmentOn-site installation, including mounting panels and wiring
Industry UsageInvolved in system evaluation and preparationHands-on installation and setup of solar systems

Solar Grading and Solar Installer roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Solar Grading involves assessing and preparing sites, while Solar Installers handle the physical installation. Both require technical certifications and work outdoors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities vary significantly.

More about Solar Grading jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Grading jobs? Cities with the most Solar Grading job openings:
What states have the most Solar Grading jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Grading jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Grading jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Grading jobs are:
Solar Grading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Grading job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,954 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Engineer II or III - Civil Grading

Engineer II or III - Civil Grading

M. A. Mortenson Company

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$84.10K - $133.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description
Engineer II or III - Civil Grading
SUMMARY
Mortenson is currently seeking an Engineering II or III - Civil Grading that will provide routine civil engineering assignments involving engineering techniques and principles for renewable energy projects. Candidate will be responsible for working closely with other engineering and design team members to coordinate overall civil design packages and requirements. They will be responsible for performing a broad scope of engineering assignments of basic difficulty requiring knowledge in engineering-related disciplines. They shall be capable of evaluating, selecting, and applying standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria by using judgment in making adaptations and modifications and providing interpretations and conclusions.
Hiring Locations: Minneapolis, MN, Fargo, ND, San Antonio, TX, and Denver, CO
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for the detailed civil designs and site preparation plans, phased site grading, access roads design, and geospatial layouts for Solar, Wind, and Battery Storage design and pursuit projects
  • Develop plans, specifications, and observation reports that are complete, accurate, and in accordance with sound engineering practices and aligned with our customer requirements and Mortenson's best practice standards
  • Comfortable interfacing and presenting to multiple stakeholders (e.g. customer decision makers, project teams, etc.)
  • Collect and evaluate data to recommend courses of action
  • Provide engineering support for proposals, estimating, procurement and construction
  • Works closely with and guide designers, drafters, and engineers
  • Coordinate with other engineering disciplines and Design Phase Managers to successfully deliver design projects
  • Assist field personnel in resolving unanticipated site conditions
  • Understanding of discipline specific technical designs, QA/QC procedures, and engineering policies
  • Full knowledge of engineering principles, business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements
  • Review plans and specifications for constructability, and safety

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Graduate from a four-year college or university with Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE preferred) or related engineering program. Strongly preferred the degree is from a school of engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum
  • Proficient in engineering theories, principles, and practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations
  • Ability to travel up to 15%
  • Preferred experience in software applications such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Civil 3D (grading creation tools a plus), Civil 3D Grading Optimization, PVCase Ground Mount, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Office
  • Preferred experience in creating grading plans, developing proposed surface models, and balancing earthwork volumes

Engineer II Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience in a similar role
  • Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certification (preferred) or ability to obtain EIT within 6 months of entering the position

Engineer III Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience in a similar role
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (required)

A few benefits offered include:
(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week)
  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage
  • Dental plan
  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match
  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  • No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Gym Membership Discount Program

The base pay range for this role is $84,100 - $133,300. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.
#LI-JY1 #LI-Hybrid
Please make note:
  • Visa sponsorship is offered for this position.
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
Other Items to Note
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1954

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