What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Equipment/Blade Operator position at Pearson Construction?
Position Title: Construction Grading Operator
FLSA status: Non-Exempt
Department: Construction Dirt Work Division
Reports to: Project Manager
Salary Level: Commensurate upon experience
Location: Kansas
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Blade Operator to join our team. This is a skilled position requiring a strong dedication to safety, teamwork, and professionalism. The Blade Operator is responsible for operating a motor grader to perform rough and finish grading, cut and fill operations, and maintenance of dirt or gravel surfaces. The ideal candidate has strong experience in construction site preparation, road work, and fine-grade operations. The loader operator works collaboratively with the team to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities:
- Operate a motor grader to cut, spread, and level dirt, gravel, or other materials on construction sites.
- Perform rough and fine grading for roads, pads, drainage, and site prep according to stakes or grade markings.
- Maintain proper slope and elevation based on site plans, laser/GPS systems, or direction from the grade checker or foreman.
- Monitor machine performance and perform daily equipment inspections and minor maintenance.
- Work closely with site supervisors, equipment operators, and laborers to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Maintain awareness of surroundings, underground utilities, and other equipment on site to ensure safety.
- Accurately follow grade plans, blueprints, or GPS data for precision grading work.
- Assist with other duties on site when necessary, including general labor and equipment support.
- Perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance to ensure safe operation.
- Communicate with foreman and crew to coordinate workflow and prioritize tasks.
- Follow company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and traffic control procedures.
- Identify and report potential hazards, equipment issues, or unsafe conditions.
- May assist in the operation of other equipment (excavators, skid steers, etc.) as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all safety guidelines, regulations, and company policies.
- Daily inspection of equipment and reporting of any malfunctions or safety concerns to supervisors.
- Assist with general labor tasks as needed, including site cleanup and material handling.
- Follow verbal and written instructions.
- Must be able to perform repetitive work.
- Position assists with repairs, breakdowns, etc.
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
- Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in OSHA guidelines and MSHA policies and procedures manual.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- 3 years of experience operating motor graders in a dirt work or heavy civil construction environment.
- Strong understanding of grading techniques, slopes, drainage, and road construction.
- Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, or use GPS grading systems.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions and on rough terrain.
- Must be flexible to work days, nights or occasional weekends.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and bend. The employee must regularly lift and/or move from 1 to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is exposed to airborne particles. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Why work for us:
Pearson is an ever-growing company founded on solid family values. We maintain an excellent relationship with local communities and strive to provide the best possible materials and services in our industry. To do that, we employ passionate and talented individuals who are dedicated, dependable, and ready to make a difference.
We Offer:
- Full Benefit Package available first of the month following 60 days of Employment
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off/PTO Plan
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Applicants Are Encouraged to Apply On-line or at the Main Office:
https://pearsonconstructionllc.com/careers/employment-application/
If you have any questions regarding our current open positions, or the online application, please contact our HR Department at the address below.
To Apply in Person:
Pearson Companies | HR Office
2901 N. Mead St., Wichita, KS 67219
Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, no-job related disability, or any other protected group status.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities, Women and Veterans encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $25