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Underground Grader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Underground Miner

Delta Junction, AK · On-site

$24 - $24.50/hr

Experience operating underground mining equipment such as Trucks, Light Vehicles, Charge Wagon, Bogger, Tele-remote equipment, Integrated Tool Carrier, Skid Steer, Zoom Boom, Grader, Long Hole Drill ...

Underground Miner

Delta Junction, AK · On-site

$24 - $24.50/hr

Experience operating underground mining equipment such as Trucks, Light Vehicles, Charge Wagon, Bogger, Tele-remote equipment, Integrated Tool Carrier, Skid Steer, Zoom Boom, Grader, Long Hole Drill ...

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Underground Grader Operator information

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$9

$17

$30

How much do underground grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground grader operator in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Underground Grader Operator vs Surface Grader Operator?

AspectUnderground Grader OperatorSurface Grader Operator
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety training, possibly underground-specific certificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety training, general grading certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground mining tunnels, confined spaces, lower lightingOpen outdoor sites, construction or mining surfaces, daylight
Industry UsageMining, tunneling projectsConstruction, road maintenance, surface mining

The main difference between an Underground Grader Operator and a Surface Grader Operator lies in their work environment and specific certifications. Underground Grader Operators work in confined underground mining tunnels, requiring specialized safety training, while Surface Grader Operators work outdoors on open surfaces. Both roles involve operating heavy grading equipment but are tailored to different settings within the construction and mining industries.

What are Underground Grader Operators?

Underground Grader Operators are skilled workers who operate motor graders and similar heavy equipment in underground mining environments. Their primary role is to maintain roadways, level surfaces, and ensure safe and efficient movement of vehicles and personnel within mines. They are responsible for grading, shaping, and repairing underground tunnels and haulage ways, often working in challenging and confined conditions. These operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and typically require specialized training in both equipment operation and underground mining practices.

What are the common challenges faced by Underground Grader Operators and how can they be addressed?

Underground Grader Operators often work in confined, low-light environments with uneven terrain, which can make equipment maneuvering and visibility challenging. To address these issues, operators must maintain strong communication with other crew members, adhere to strict safety protocols, and regularly inspect their equipment for optimal performance. Ongoing training and familiarity with site-specific procedures also help operators adapt to changing underground conditions, ensuring both efficiency and safety on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Grader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Grader Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with underground mining equipment, machine control systems, and relevant safety certifications such as MSHA are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, communication, and the ability to work under pressure in confined environments are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safety, operational efficiency, and the proper maintenance of mining infrastructure in challenging underground settings.
More about Underground Grader Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Underground Grader Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Grader Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Underground Grader Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Underground Distribution Operator

MasTec Utility Services

Fort Collins, CO

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The UGE Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to install the underground conduit, cables, transformers, pull boxes, transformer pads, and switchgear colors for customers. This position supports the Line team and works with personnel within the department.

Operate jobsite equipment safely, such mobile cranes, bulldozers, angle dozers, front end loaders, backhoes, excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment.

Pay rate: $28.00 - $34.00


Responsibilities
  • Perform service, safety checks, and minor repairs on machines, check oil and fluids.
  • Inspect work area to ensure it has been staked/located prior to digging.
  • Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment.
  • Dig around all live utilities, both underground and overhead.
  • Train, guide, or oversee work of lower graded operators and laborers when needed
  • Comply with proper safety standards/procedures and work practices according to MasTec or the customer, whichever standard is higher.
  • Load trucks in a safe and accident-free manner.
  • Work to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless customer service with quality timeliness.
  • Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1 year of relevant experience.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Excavation experience.

Preferred

  • 2 or more years of experience.
  • OSHA 10 Certification.
  • CDL Class A driver's license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE). 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.  

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1 year of relevant experience.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Excavation experience.

Preferred

  • 2 or more years of experience.
  • OSHA 10 Certification.
  • CDL Class A driver's license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE). 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.  

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME