Blade Operator

Department: Field Operations  

Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN) 

Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal  

Pay Type / Range:  

Journeyman Union Scale.  $47.24 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment) 
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.) 

Union Benefits & Additional Information: 

• Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)  

• Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union. 

• Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.   

• PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work. 

• Referral bonuses – earn rewards to help us recruit new talent. 

• Annual boot allowance. 

Job Summary: The Blade Operator is responsible for safely and precisely operating a motor grader to establish subgrade and base for asphalt paving projects. This includes cutting, shaping, and finishing roadbeds and surfaces to required elevations, slopes, and tolerances while working closely with the grading and paving crews. 

Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test.  References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.  

Job Duties & Requirements: 

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Fully understand the controls and functions of the blade. 

• Operate all controls and functions in a safe and non-abusive manner. 

• Communication via 2-way radio. 

• Achieve acceptable rough and finish grade in all types of soils and conditions. 

• Read and understand grades on stakes. 

• Follow grade stakes or utilize GPS and laser systems to ensure accurate slopes and elevations. 

• Familiar with daily equipment inspections and maintenance 

• Inspect and maintain equipment daily; report mechanical issues or needed repairs. 

• Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure safety of crew and equipment on active job sites. 

• Follow all company safety procedures and OSHA standards; attend daily safety meetings. 

• Assist other crew members with general labor tasks as needed during downtime. 

• Other tasks as assigned. 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• 2 years of experience operating a motor grader in road construction or asphalt preparation. 

• Strong understanding of grade control systems, slopes, and elevations. 

• Experience working around active paving operations and in coordination with other heavy equipment. 

• Ability to read grade stakes and interpret construction plans. 

• Must be safety-conscious, reliable, and able to work well in a team environment. 

• Valid driver’s license required (CDL preferred). 

• Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed. 

• High school education or GED equivalent. 

• Strong team player 

• Reliable and on-time. 

Live up to our company Core Values: 

• Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture. 

• Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future.  Quality leads to consistency.  Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business. 

• Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace.  

• Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation.  Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain. 

• Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee’s share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality.  Commitment shows and can be contagious.  

Company Information: 

For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service. 

At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work.  Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service. 

More reasons to join BR: 

• Family owned and operated 

• Paid Training 

• Advancement opportunities – we aim to promote within 

• No out of town jobs / home every night 

• Family Oriented – Annual events 

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.