EARTHWORKS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Knife River Corporation; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Job summary

Knife River Corporation in Williston, ND, is seeking a Grading Operations Manager responsible for managing labor, productivity, quality control, and safety measures. This role demands oversight of project proposals, resource allocation, and operational compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree related to construction management and at least 5 years of civil construction experience. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the civil construction industry is required.
• Valid North Dakota driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Prepare bid/estimate proposals for projects.
• Coordinate resources to optimize efficiency.
• Provide support to various departments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues.

Skills

Self-motivated

Communication skills

Negotiating/sales skills

Proficient in MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management or equivalent

Tools

JDE

HCSS

Job description

Knife River is one of the 10 largest construction materials producers and contractors in the country. We are committed to building strong teams that in turn build strong communities.

Role Overview

The Grading Operations Manager will oversee the overall operations and is responsible for the effective and successful management of labor, productivity, quality control and safety measures as established for the Operations Department. The Manager will ensure safe and efficient operations, serve as a company representative on regulatory issues, and enhance operational procedures and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Review proposal specifications, drawings, pre‑bid meetings and visit project sites to determine scope of work required in preparing bid/estimate proposal.


2. Determine labor, equipment, and material requirements to complete project and use information to prepare bid/estimate proposal.


3. Coordinate resources throughout the state to optimize overall efficiency.


4. Monitor equipment maintenance programs and major repairs of grading equipment.


5. Establish and justify yearly capital expenditure budgets.


6. Submit complete bid/estimate proposals to project owners, managers, and/or general contractors in a timely and professional manner, providing any clarification on information submitted as needed.


7. Provide current and potential customers/clients with prompt professional service including pricing assistance.


8. Coordinate with Central Dispatch on project objectives, procedures, schedules, and performance requirements; provide indirect or direct supervision to employees.


9. Provide ongoing support to operations in various departments; communicate job expectations, planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions.


10. Work closely with the management team to set and/or implement policies, procedures, and systems and to follow through with implementation.


11. Review and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for payment.


12. Communicate customer issues with operations team and devise ways of improving the customer experience, including resolving problems and complaints.


13. Conduct reviews of projects to ensure compliance with Work in Progress (WIP) procedures and perform monthly assessments of revenue and cost.


14. Manage job billing processes and oversee project closeout activities.


15. Communicate all operating policies and/or issues at department meetings.


16. Troubleshoot and problem‑solve situations/problems (material quality, material availability, scheduling/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with General Manager.


17. Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety, and environmental regulation compliance.


18. Must work as needed, given the unpredictability of how long jobs or trips will take, including overtime, nights, and weekends.


19. Always work safely and act to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.


20. Wear company‑issued Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) in accordance with company policy.


21. Regular attendance is required.


22. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Self‑motivated, team‑player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous and respectful of others.


2. Communication skills and positive interactions with employees, customers, and vendors required.


3. Negotiating, sales skills or customer service experience in civil construction.


4. Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point).

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, or equivalent years’ experience.


2. Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in the civil construction industry.


3. Valid North Dakota driver’s license and acceptable driving record to meet Knife River Fleet policy.

Preferred Requirements

1. Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in management.


2. Experience using JDE or HCSS.

Benefits

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts


3. 401(k) with Company Match


4. Profit Sharing


5. Paid Time Off


6. Paid Sick Time


7. 8 Paid Holidays


8. Company‑Paid Life and AD&D Insurance


9. Short‑term Disability


10. Employee Assistance Program


11. Years of Service Recognition


12. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents


13. Critical Illness Plan


14. Accident Coverage Plan


15. Hospital Indemnity

Additional Information

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks.