Dozer/Finish Grade Operator

Kids for the Future; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 39,950 - 53,726; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement plan 401(k) match

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Tapani Inc. is seeking a Dozer / Finish Grade Operator to run dozers and heavy equipment on active site projects, following the Foreman's plan and schedule. You will perform rough and finish grading, maintain elevations and slopes, and ensure work aligns with project specs.

We value safety, teamwork, and hands-on problem solving. Successful candidates have 1–2 years of equipment operation experience, read grade stakes, and can work outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent.
• 1–2 years prior experience as an equipment operator.
• Experience operating dozers and performing rough or finish grading.
• Ability to read grade stakes and site plans.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, Confined Space, Competent Person, Rigging and Signaling.
• Forklifts, butt fusion, electrofuse, and trucking certifications.
• Physically able to lift 50–100 pounds daily.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with Foreman to understand the plan for the day.
• Ensure equipment is warmed up and operational at shift start.
• Maintain communication with field workers for safe, efficient results.
• Operate dozers and other heavy equipment as needed.
• Perform rough and finish grading to required elevations and slopes.
• Read grade stakes, site plans, and elevation information.
• Use GPS or machine control systems when applicable.
• Assist with tasks to ensure a quality Tapani Inc. project.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team player

Teaching / coaching

Physical stamina

Education

High school education or equivalent

First Aid, CPR, Confined Space, Competent Person, Rigging and Signaling certifications

Forklifts, butt fusion, electrofuse, and trucking certifications

Tools

GPS or machine control systems

Job description

• Base Pay $29.04 - $39.09 / Hour
• Job Category Field
• Employee Type Full Time

Description

Since starting in 1983, Tapani has evolved from a single-person operation to a family-led legacy, maintaining a fun and friendly environment from the beginning. With a large team across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, we now cover five diverse market sectors: Civil Site Development, Buildings, Environmental, Transportation, and Utility Infrastructure. The consistent dedication to our core values has helped us grow, creating more opportunities for our current team and the need for new teammates.

Take a look what our current employees say about working for Tapani: Tapani Careers

Job Summary

The Dozer / Finish Grade Operator is responsible for operating dozers and other heavy equipment to ensure the day-to-day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with the Foreman's direction and schedule. This position is responsible for rough and finish grading, maintaining proper elevations and slopes, and completing work accurately and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Responsible for Field Production

• Communicate with Foreman to understand the plan for the day.
• Ensure all equipment being operated for the day is warmed up and operational by shift start.
• Ensure communication is maintained with other field workers to ensure efficient results and a safe working environment.
• Operate dozers and other heavy equipment as needed.
• Perform rough grading and finish grading to required elevations, slopes, and project specifications.
• Read and understand grade stakes, site plans, and elevation information.
• Use GPS or machine control systems when applicable.
• Assist with all tasks to ensure a quality project by Tapani Inc.

Responsible for Proper Use of Heavy Equipment

• Complete an equipment walk-around, keeping the cab clean and cleaning the windows and tracks when needed.
• Understand all functions and mechanics; ensure proper attachments, hoses, belts, cutting edges, and other components are utilized and maintained.
• Understand and perform all daily machine checks and maintenance needs; ensure proper greasing, oiling, and minor repairs.
• Communicate with Foreman all equipment concerns and repair needs.
• Understand the machine's abilities and limits of performance and stay within limit bounds.
• Know and understand the functions of each piece of equipment being operated.
• Maintain proper blade control and operate equipment in a manner that produces accurate grades and minimizes rework.
• Ensure safe use of equipment; show regard for the equipment, the project, others onsite, traffic, and the overall environment.
• Ensure proper handling of equipment while in operation and know where the perimeter of the machine is at all times.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding employees, equipment, utilities, structures, and changing site conditions.
• Job involves a moderate to high degree of complexity due to the knowledge required to understand dozer functions, grading techniques, elevations, slopes, drainage, and how different soils react to the equipment being operated.

Responsible for Site Safety

• Ensure proper awareness and communication at all times with other employees while operating the machine.
• Ensure OSHA standards are adhered to.
• Understand the safety risks associated with each task and ensure proper safety methods are followed.
• Ensure all safety training is current.
• Know and understand the soils and how they react to the dozer and other equipment being operated.
• Understand dig laws and locates while also knowing the color codes.
• Maintain awareness of underground utilities, overhead hazards, traffic, ground personnel, and surrounding equipment.
• Ensure safe operation on slopes, uneven ground, soft soils, and around excavations.

Responsible for Upholding the Integrity of Tapani Inc.

• Ensure an atmosphere of teamwork and utilization of each crew member's abilities.
• Maintain efficiency and quality throughout the project.
• Communicate to Foreman changes that reflect the best interests of the owner and Tapani Inc.
• Bring concerns to the Foreman to assist with resolving issues quickly.
• Always seek ways to learn and grow personally and professionally.
• Maintain machine cleanliness.
• Train others in dozer operation and grading techniques.

Uphold Tapani's Purpose document: Demonstrate actions and behaviors that align with Tapani's Purpose and Values (Purpose and Values).

Requirements & Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent.
• 1–2 years prior experience as an equipment operator.
• Prior experience operating dozers and performing rough or finish grading preferred.
• Understand the operations and maintenance of all tools and equipment utilized onsite.
• Ability to read and understand grade stakes, elevations, slopes, and site plans.
• Experience using GPS or machine control systems preferred.
• Job involves a moderate to high degree of complexity due to needing the knowledge to understand dozer functions, grading techniques, and how soils react to the equipment being operated.
• Ability to produce accurate grades and complete work with minimal rework.
• Ability to generate efficient methods quickly to resolve roadblocks.
• Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR, Confined Space, Competent Person, Rigging and Signaling.
• Forklifts, butt fusion, electrofuse, and trucking require certification.
• Able to use discretion when making decisions independently.
• Able to complete the job with minimal impacts to the immediate surroundings and the welfare of the equipment being used.
• A team player.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to teach and coach other employees.
• Must be physically able to perform job duties.
• Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift 50–100 pounds on a daily basis.
• Typically working hours are Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. but can vary.
• Hours worked will be weather dependent along with schedule requirements.
• Summertime typically requires longer hours, and winter typically requires shorter hours due to daylight.
• Work may require weekend work when project demands.
• Work may require night work when project demands.
• Work is primarily performed outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and jobsite conditions.

Note: Physical ability to perform assigned tasks, lift, push and pull 20 pounds at a time, and ability to sit, stand and work on computer for prolonged periods of time.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay: $29.04 – $39.09 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance plans with low to $0 monthly premiums.
• Additional voluntary insurance options include Dental, Vision, and a wide variety of Supplemental Insurances.
• Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick Time.
• Company Paid Life Insurance.
• 401(k) options with up to 4% employer match.