Fine Grade Operator

Thalle Construction Company, Inc.; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Major Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO & Holidays

401K with company match

Life Insurance

Job summary

Thalle Construction Company, Inc. in Clayton, NC is seeking an experienced Fine Grade Operator to produce precise finished grades for foundations, utilities, roadways and site improvements on our heavy civil projects.

You will collaborate with survey crews, grade foremen and superintendents to meet elevations and slope specifications. The role requires operating GPS and laser-guided equipment, reading grading plans, and maintaining strict tolerances for concrete and asphalt work.

Qualifications

• Proficiency operating GPS- and laser-controlled grading equipment.
• Ability to read civil drawings and grading plans.
• Strong understanding of elevations, slopes, and drainage.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of soil behavior, compaction, and grading best practices.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate GPS- and laser-guided equipment to achieve final design grades.
• Fine grade building pads, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and utility trenches.
• Read and interpret grading plans, profiles, cross sections, and survey stakes.
• Verify finished elevations, slopes, and drainage requirements.
• Maintain tight tolerances required for concrete, asphalt, and structural work.
• Assist with rough grading when required while prioritizing finish work.

Skills

GPS/laser grading

Civil drawings reading

Elevations & drainage

Attention to detail

Soil compaction

Independent work

Tools

Trimble GPS

Topcon GPS

Leica GPS

Job description

Thalle Construction Company Co., Inc. (Thalle) is excited to announce an open opportunity to expand our Team!

Thalle is currently seeking an experienced and motivated candidate to fill Fine Grade Operator position at our project located in Clayton, NC.

Thalle, established in 1947, is a heavy civil construction company with a corporate office located in Hillsborough, NC and a regional office in Alvarado, Texas. Thalle currently has active heavy civil construction projects spanning from New York to South Florida to Texas and continuing to expand our geographical footprint. Our diverse and expansive project scope of heavy civil infrastructure projects incorporates all degrees of civil construction that includes but is not limited to; Conventional Concrete, Roller Compacted Concrete and Earthen Dams, Navigational Waterway Locks, Reservoirs, Large Diameter Underground Utilities, Treatment Facilities, Landfills, Site Work, Mass Soil & Rock Excavation, Coal Ash Closures, DOT Highway & Bridge Construction, and on demand emergency services, etc.

We are a proud representative of The Tully Group (Tully) who was established in 1921 and developed into one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned construction firms. Tully’s corporate office, located in New York City, has provided an opportunity to develop and sustain a long history of heavy civil projects in the Metro New York Area and New Jersey. Visit www.tullygroup.us and Thalle.com for more information.

Safety is our TOP priority! Thalle offers a competitive compensation with a full range of benefits, including Major Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, generous PTO, paid company holidays, Life Insurance, and 401K with a company match, and more! Compensation is based on experience and qualifications.

Thalle is an Equal Opportunity Employer, E-Verify and Drug Free Workplace.

Job Title: Fine Grade Operator

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

A Fine Grade Operator is responsible for producing precise finished grades for foundations, utilities, roadways, slabs, and site improvements. The operator works closely with survey crews, grade foremen, and superintendents to ensure all elevations and slopes meet project specifications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate GPS- and laser-guided equipment to achieve final design grades.
• Fine grade building pads, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and utility trenches.
• Read and interpret grading plans, profiles, cross sections, and survey stakes.
• Verify finished elevations, slopes, and drainage requirements.
• Maintain tight tolerances required for concrete, asphalt, and structural work.
• Assist with rough grading when required while prioritizing finish work.

Equipment Operation

Operate And Maintain Equipment Such As

• Motor grader
• Dozer
• Excavator
• Skid steer
• Compact track loader
• Vibratory roller (as needed)

GPS & Survey Responsibilities

• Utilize GPS machine control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica, etc.).
• Understand cut/fill displays and design surfaces.
• Verify benchmarks and control points before beginning work.
• Work directly with survey personnel to resolve discrepancies.
• Report any conflicts between plans and field conditions.

Quality Responsibilities

• Produce smooth, accurate finish grades within specified tolerances.
• Ensure proper drainage and positive flow away from structures.
• Prevent over-excavation and unnecessary rework.
• Perform daily grade checks throughout operations.
• Leave work ready for inspection and the next construction activity.

Safety Responsibilities

• Perform daily equipment inspections.
• Operate equipment safely around personnel, utilities, and existing structures.
• Follow excavation safety requirements and utility clearance procedures.
• Maintain situational awareness around multiple trades and moving equipment.
• Report hazards, equipment defects, and unsafe conditions immediately.

Productivity Expectations

• Complete assigned grading efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
• Minimize material waste and unnecessary machine movement.
• Coordinate with truck drivers, laborers, and other operators to maintain production.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas.

Communication

• Coordinate daily activities with the Grade Foreman and Superintendent.
• Communicate grade or layout issues before they affect production.
• Notify supervisors when survey or design clarification is needed.
• Support other crews as project priorities change.

Required Skills

• Proficiency operating GPS- and laser-controlled grading equipment.
• Ability to read civil drawings and grading plans.
• Strong understanding of elevations, slopes, and drainage.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of soil behavior, compaction, and grading best practices.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Performance Expectations

A Successful Fine Grade Operator Consistently

• Produces accurate finish grades with minimal rework.
• Works safely and protects personnel and underground utilities.
• Maximizes equipment productivity while minimizing fuel and wear.
• Communicates effectively with survey crews and supervisors.
• Delivers high-quality finished surfaces that are ready for the next phase of construction.

Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

Thalle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law.

Thalle is an Equal Opportunity Employer, E-Verify user, and Drug Free Workplace.