Foreman/Finish Blade Operator

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 44,634 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription Drug

Vision

401(k) with Company matching

Paid Holidays and Vacation

Job summary

A leading construction materials company in Fort Collins, Colorado, seeks a skilled Finish Blade/Grader Equipment Operator III. This role involves the safe operation of a motor grader to ensure precision grading. Candidates must possess at least 3 years of experience with heavy equipment, particularly in paving, and a strong understanding of GPS technology. The position includes comprehensive benefits and competitive pay ranging from $32.40 to $38 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience in minimum of 3 years related to Finish Blade/Fine Grading in a Heavy Highway environment.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and compliance.
• Ability to operate 3D grade control technology.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe operation of motor grader for fine grading.
• Read and interpret project plans and blueprints.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections.

Skills

Operating Heavy Equipment

GPS proficiency

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED

3+ years of relevant experience

Job description

The Finish Blade/Grader Equipment Operator III is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a motor grader to perform fine grading and finishing of road bases, sub-grades, and surfaces to precise tolerances. As the highest level in the operator classification, this role requires significant expertise in interpreting blueprints, staking, and utilizing advanced technology to ensure proper drainage and structural integrity. The operator works with minimal supervision and is expected to exhibit leadership within the paving crew, ensuring that all work meets both Martin Marietta’s quality standards and OSHA safety regulations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Spread and level dirt, gravel, and stone to finish grade specifications for highways, streets, and subdivisions.
• Read and interpret project plans, blueprints, grade stakes, and 'blue tops' to determine required elevations and slopes.
• Operate equipment equipped with GPS, laser, or sonic grade control systems to achieve automated precision.
• Cut and maintain ditches and crowns to ensure proper water runoff and prevent erosion.
• Fine-grade aggregate to tolerances suitable for asphalt or concrete pavement application.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections (fluids, tires, blades, hydraulics) and document findings in maintenance logs.
• Perform minor field maintenance, including greasing, cleaning filters, and changing grader blades/cutting edges.
• Identify and avoid potential hazards such as utility lines, overhead obstructions, and ground personnel; maintain high situational awareness in high-traffic zones.
• Strictly adhere to all Martin Marietta safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental permits.
• Coordinate with loaders, haul trucks, and rollers via two-way radio to ensure efficient material flow and cycle times.
• Provide guidance and training to junior operators on equipment best practices and safety protocols.
• Perform auxiliary labor duties as needed, such as manual raking, shovel work, or operating secondary equipment (rollers, loaders, water trucks) during downtime.
• Ensure work sites are maintained with adequate berms and drainage to prevent erosion and meet environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience Operating Heavy Equipment, with a focus on Finish Blade/Fine Grading in a Paving or Heavy Highway environment, preferred.
• OSHA compliance and regulations.
• GPS proficiency (3D grade control technology and interpreting digital site models).
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Technical aptitude.
• Detail oriented.
• Time management.
• Effective communicator (written and spoken).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
• Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
• Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

• All duties require outside assignments and periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dB.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position is $32.40 -$38 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits Package

• Medical
• Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• 401(k) with Company matching
• Pension
• Salary Continuation – Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability Options
• Employee Life Insurance
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Direct Deposit Payroll
• Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
• Matching Gift Program
• New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.