Dirt Foreman - Tech IV / Motor Grader Operator

Spear D Construction; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay + Weekly Paychecks

Work Local, Be Home More

Full Benefits + 401(k)

Flexible Paid Time Off (FTO)

Training & Career Advancement

Great Company Culture

Job summary

Spear D Construction is seeking an experienced Dirt Foreman – Tech IV / Motor Grader Operator to lead grading, excavation, and earthwork crews on heavy civil projects. This role blends field leadership with hands-on grader operation, ensuring grading accuracy, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate has extensive motor grader experience, a solid grasp of grading/earthwork, and proven leadership to develop the dirt crew. Local work with strong pay and benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience operating motor graders for rough and finish grading.
• Ability to establish grades, elevations, slopes, and drainage.
• Proficient with GPS and machine-grade control systems.
• Supervise dirt crews and coordinate grading/earthwork operations.
• Read construction plans, specs, and survey data.

Responsibilities

• Operate a motor grader to perform rough and finish grading and establish elevations.
• Coordinate daily manpower, equipment, and schedules with superintendents and PMs.
• Supervise dirt crews during grading, excavation, and earthwork tasks.
• Set up GPS and machine grade control for accurate outcomes.
• Read plans and stake elevations; monitor quality and safety compliance.
• Maintain equipment and enforce daily safety practices.

Skills

Motor grader operation

Dirt crew leadership

Earthwork & grading

GPS & grade control usage

Reading construction plans

Safety leadership

Communication & problem solving

Tools

GPS grading systems

Machine grade control

iPads

Job description

Share

Share

Email

Post

Share

At Spear D Construction, we take pride in being an award-winning company built on a foundation of excellence and innovation. Our life-changing culture fosters growth, collaboration, and success, making us a sought-after workplace for experienced professionals looking to elevate their careers.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a stable and supportive work environment while earning the respect of our peers and industry leaders. We achieve this by staying true to our core values—honesty, hard work, respect, compassion, and consistency—which guide everything we do.

Why work for Spear D Construction?

• Competitive Pay + Weekly Paychecks – Get paid weekly for your hard work.
• Work Local, Be Home More – Enjoy more time at home with local job opportunities.
• Quality, Well-Maintained Equipment – Work with equipment that supports safety and productivity.
• Full Benefits + 401(k) – Medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, and company-provided life insurance.
• Flexible Paid Time Off (FTO) – Enjoy flexibility to balance work and personal time.
• Training & Career Advancement – Build your skills and grow with a growing company.
• Great Company Culture – Be part of a team built on respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Job Description

Spear D Construction is seeking an experienced, dependable, and hands-on Dirt Foreman – Tech IV / Motor Grader Operator to lead grading, excavation, and earthwork crews on heavy civil construction projects.

This position combines field leadership with hands-on motor grader operation. The Dirt Foreman will be responsible for operating a motor grader to perform rough and finish grading, establishing accurate elevations and slopes, and ensuring work meets project plans and specifications. This role also oversees daily crew activities, coordinates manpower and equipment, and maintains safety, productivity, and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience operating motor graders, a strong understanding of grading and earthwork operations, and proven leadership skills to effectively manage and develop a dirt crew.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate a motor grader to perform rough and finish grading, establish proper elevations, slopes, and drainage.
• Perform precision grading for roadways, subgrade, base course, building pads, and other construction surfaces.
• Set up and utilize GPS and machine grade control systems to achieve accurate grading results.
• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, grade stakes, elevations, and survey information.
• Supervise and direct dirt crews performing grading, excavation, earthwork, backfilling, and site preparation.
• Coordinate daily manpower, materials, equipment, and schedules with Superintendents and Project Managers.
• Oversee soil placement, moisture conditioning, compaction, and preparation of subgrade and base materials.
• Monitor grading accuracy and make necessary adjustments to meet project specifications.
• Coordinate the operation of dozers, excavators, loaders, rollers, and other heavy equipment.
• Monitor crew productivity, labor hours, and daily production using iPads and Labor Production Reports (LPR).
• Coordinate with survey crews, inspectors, engineers, vendors, and other field teams.
• Identify and resolve grading issues, equipment needs, and potential project delays.
• Perform daily motor grader inspections and ensure proper equipment maintenance.
• Train, mentor, and hold crew members accountable for safety, productivity, and quality workmanship.
• Conduct daily safety meetings, Pre-Task Plans (PTPs), and equipment inspections.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe jobsites.

Job Requirements

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience operating motor graders for rough and finish grading.
• Ability to accurately establish and maintain grades, elevations, slopes, and drainage requirements.
• Experience using GPS and machine grade control systems.
• Extensive knowledge of grading, excavation, earthwork, and site preparation.
• Proven ability to supervise, lead, and develop dirt crews.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, grade stakes, and survey information.
• Strong understanding of soil conditions, compaction standards, subgrade preparation, and base course requirements.
• Experience operating and coordinating heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to track production, labor hours, and job progress using iPads or similar technology.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple field activities while maintaining safety and productivity.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe excavation and equipment operation practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding work.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• Dependable attendance, professionalism, and commitment to quality workmanship.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Motor Grader Operator, Dirt Foreman, Grade Foreman, or similar heavy civil construction role.
• Extensive hands-on experience operating motor graders for rough and finish grading.
• Previous experience supervising dirt crews and coordinating grading and earthwork operations.
• Strong understanding of GPS grading technology and machine control systems.
• Experience operating dozers, excavators, loaders, and compaction equipment.
• Strong knowledge of elevations, slopes, drainage, soil compaction, and grading techniques.
• Ability to read construction plans and work with survey stakes and grade information.
• Experience with labor tracking, production reporting, and mobile technology.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train and develop crew members.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record if assigned a company vehicle.

$35.00 - $43.00

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.