Finish Motor Grader Operator

Schellinger Construction; Columbia Falls (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Complete benefits package including health insurance

Pension plan

Job summary

A regional construction firm is seeking a Finish Motor Grader Operator to perform precise grading and maintenance tasks using a GPS-guided Motor Grader. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, be able to interpret grade stakes, and effectively communicate with a team. This role involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and adherence to safety policies is critical. A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is preferred, and a current driver’s license is required. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience operating heavy machinery.
• Able to perform basic daily maintenance on equipment.
• Must have a current driver’s license.
• Must join or be a member of the Operating Engineers Union.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strict safety PPE compliance.

Responsibilities

• Execute GPS-guided finish grading to specific tolerances.
• Conduct pre-shift start-up checks on machinery.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Perform pre-shift checks and monitor diagnostics; report issues.
• Load, spread and manage borrow or fill material as needed.
• Communicate with surveyors, ground personnel, truck drivers, and supervisors.
• Operate equipment safely and perform daily maintenance.

Skills

GPS System Setup & Calibration

Motor Grader Operations

Machine Diagnostics & Maintenance

Material Handling

Communication

Overtime willing

Union requirement

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Topcon GPS System

GPS calibration

Job description

Company Summary

For over 60 years, Schellinger Construction has been building highways, roads, and private development projects across Montana. We work primarily in Northwest Montana and provide a full range of services, including earthwork, trucking, gravel crushing, concrete supply, aggregate surfacing, culvert/pipe installation, asphalt paving, and retail aggregate supply (gravel, asphalt). As a family business, we invest in our employees over the long term, providing a bonus program and a complete benefits package including vacation, pension plan, and health insurance.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Finish Motor Grader Operator include, but are not limited to:

Motor Grader GPS-Guided Finish Grading

• Topcon GPS System Setup & Calibration
  • Assemble, mount, and level GPS on Motor Grader.
  • Perform daily calibration, verify signal integrity, and troubleshoot satellite connectivity.
  • Upload and transfer new models into the Motor Grader GPS.
  • A full understanding of the GPS components and basic diagnostics on GPS issues
• Finish Motor Grader Operations
  • Execute blade movements to maintain design elevations within specified tolerances (± 0.05 ft or as directed).
  • Monitor slope, crossfall, and grade targets on in-cab display; adjust blade pitch accordingly.
  • Build Cut/Fill slopes to (± 0.05 ft or as directed).
  • Work with scraper cut/fill operations
• Finish Grade Production
  • Follow the 3D model data to grade surfaces to set tolerances.
  • Establish smooth transitions between contours; eliminate high/low spots.
  • Able to interpret the GPS model and grade to the needed tolerances
  • Monitor slope, crossfall, and grade targets on in-cab display; adjust blade pitch accordingly.
  • Understand how to use the proper offsets/ hold-downs and polylines for neat line grading.
• Machine Diagnostics & Maintenance
  • Conduct pre-shift start-up checks: fluid levels, track tension, sensor mounting.
  • Observe onboard diagnostics, report error codes or mechanical Issues to the Field Foreman.
  • Understand the wear parts of the Motor Grader and be able to identify when they need to be changed.
• Material Handling
  • Load, spread, and cut borrow or fill material as needed to achieve design grade.
  • Work with large hauling operations to spread fill materials and keep materials balanced for finish grades.

Additional Responsibilities & Requirements

• Grade Stake & Plan Interpretation
  • Read and apply traditional grade stakes/ slope stakes and basic drawings when GPS is offline.
• Communication & Coordination
  • Communicate clearly with surveyors, ground personnel, truck drivers, and supervisors via radio or hand signals.
  • Relay real-time grade adjustments and equipment needs.

• Work with the on-site mechanic or Shop Foreman to resolve any equipment breakdown issues.
• Perform basic daily maintenance on equipment operated as needed.
• Operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently.
• Minimum 8 year experience.

Safety & Compliance

• Comply with company safety policies, EEO policies, and standard company procedures.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment: steel-toed boots, hard hats, eye protection, and ear protection.

Administration

• Ability to fill out timecard and equipment inspections daily.

General Employment Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred
• Have a current driver’s license
• Willing to work overtime, as required.
• The work schedule is weather dependent, so flexibility is required.
• Work is performed outdoors, which could include inclement weather, heat and cold, and exposure to dust.
• Must comply with the company’s drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• The successful applicant will be required to join or be a member of the Operating Engineers Union

Compensation and benefits offered with this role will be based on work experience and capability. Schellinger Construction Company is a drug-free and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The successful applicant will be required to join or be a member of the Union of Operating Engineers