Finish Blade Operator

Granite Construction; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Granite Construction is seeking a Finish Blade Operator to safely run a finish motor grader on construction sites. You will follow survey stakes and blue tops to achieve precise subgrade, base, and surface grading while maintaining safety and efficiency on the project.

Ideal candidates bring 5–7 years of heavy equipment experience, with 3–5 years in finish grading and familiarity with Trimble GPS. Strong teamwork and commitment to quality are essential on this site.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction.
• 3–5 years focused on finish grade preferred.
• Experience with Trimble GPS or similar technology preferred.
• Knowledge of earthwork, road and highway construction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a finish motor grader to perform fine grading and finish work to meet tolerances.
• Engage in fine grading, slope shaping, and finish grading of subgrade, base courses, and final road surfaces.
• Interpret and follow survey stakes and blue tops for accurate grading.
• Perform routine safety inspections of the motor grader before and during operation.

Skills

Finish blade operation

Motor grader operation

Survey/blue tops

Safety procedures

Team communication

Earthwork knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

GED

Tools

Trimble GPS

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do…

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite’s century-old success. We’re building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

The Finish Blade Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a finish motor grader (blade) to perform grading and finishing tasks on construction projects. The role involves working closely with the earthwork crew to ensure precise subgrade, base course, and surface grading, following survey stakes, blue tops, and design elevations to meet project specifications.

Essential Job Accountabilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a finish motor grader to perform fine grading and finish work to meet specified tolerances.

• Engage in tasks such as fine grading, slope shaping, and finish grading of subgrade, base courses, and final road surfaces. Follow design specifications and blue tops for precision work.

• Interpret and follow survey stakes and blue tops to ensure accurate grading according to project elevations and specifications.

• Perform routine safety inspections on the motor grader before and during operation. Ensure that equipment is maintained in safe, operational condition.

• Operate equipment in accordance with company safety procedures, always ensuring safe work practices.

• Work alongside the construction crew to ensure that all work is completed efficiently and accurately. Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.

• Ensure the job site is kept clean and organized, following all safety and environmental protocols.

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall success of the project.

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent years of experience, preferred.

Work Experience

• At least 5 to 7 yearsof experience operating heavy equipment in a construction environment required.

• 3 to 5 years of experience focused on finish grade preferred.

• Experience with Trimble GPS or similar technology is preferred.

• Knowledge of earthwork, road and highway construction is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to operate the motor grader with precision, following blue tops and design elevations.

• Ability to adhere to all safety procedures and regulations relevant to the construction industry.

• Ability to work in safety sensitive construction setting, including exposure to moving machinery and heavy equipment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced and complex environment.

Physical Demands

• Physical dexterity, stamina, and excellent hand-eye coordination with ability to: grasp, assemble, and lift objects, stand, sit, and walk for extended periods over uneven surfaces, squat, bend, climb ladders onto equipment or other objects, and potentially lie down.

• Lifting, pushing, pulling of heavy items weighing up to 50 lbs.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation’s largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Granite”) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite’s resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite’s recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite’s Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.