Grade Checker - AIT

Ahtna, Inc.; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 39,778 - 56,653; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm in Alaska is seeking a Grade Checker responsible for verifying elevations and alignments on construction sites. The role involves using GPS systems, operating equipment, and ensuring compliance with project specifications. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least three years of construction experience. This position requires travel within Alaska and may involve long hours in varied conditions. Preference will be given to Ahtna Native Corporation shareholders.

Qualifications

• 3 years experience in a construction role, preferably as a Grade Checker.
• Ability to read construction plans and specifications.
• Pass background checks for federal agency access.

Responsibilities

• Verify elevations and alignments on construction sites.
• Operate and manage Topcon GPS systems for layout.
• Maintain accurate field notes and documentation.

Skills

GPS grading systems expertise

Construction site experience

Effective communication

Strong time management

Education

High School Graduate or GED

Tools

Topcon GPS systems

Total station

Job description

AK110
Anchorage Corporate Office
110 W 38th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99503, USA

This position will be based out of the Anchorage or Palmer, AK offices and will primarily be a ‘Field Assignment Position’ within the state of Alaska. It will report to the corresponding Site Superintendent or site‑specific designee. The Grade Checker is responsible for verifying elevations, alignments, and grading specifications on construction sites. This role works closely with equipment operators, surveyors, and site supervisors to ensure all earthwork and roadway construction is performed according to plans, stakes, and project requirements.

This position requires travel, pending assigned job location. Hours worked while in travel status could be up to 12 hours per day.

The pay rate for this position is $35.00/hour Admin Rate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish, verify, and maintain horizontal and vertical control for construction activities using GPS, total station, and conventional surveying methods.
• Operate and manage Topcon GPS systems, including Pocket 3D, for layout, grade verification, and machine control support.
• Load, manage, and verify digital models, alignments, and surfaces in Pocket 3D to ensure they match approved IFC plans and revisions.
• Provide real‑time grade guidance to equipment operators (dozers, excavators, graders) using GPS machine control.
• Set and maintain grade stakes, offset stakes, slope stakes, and control points as required for non‑GPS or verification work.
• Perform daily grade checks on earthwork, subgrade, finish grade, utilities, and structural elements to confirm compliance with plans and tolerances.
• Conduct independent verification checks of GPS machine control results to catch errors before work is covered or finalized.
• Identify and immediately communicate grade conflicts, model discrepancies, or plan inconsistencies to the Superintendent, Project Manager, or Survey Manager.
• Coordinate closely with surveyors, engineers, and field supervision to resolve layout issues and sequencing constraints.
• Maintain accurate field notes, check shots, and as‑built data for quantities, pay items, and quality control documentation.
• Assist with as‑built surveys and documentation using GPS data collected through Pocket 3D and related software.
• Support quantity tracking and progress verification by validating cut/fill volumes and installed elevations.
• Ensure all layout and grade work complies with project specifications, tolerances, and quality requirements, including federal and DOT standards where applicable.
• Troubleshoot GPS hardware and software issues, including loss of signal, calibration errors, base/rover setup issues, and model alignment problems.
• Follow and promote jobsite safety procedures, especially when working around heavy equipment and active earthwork operations.
• Maintain GPS equipment, batteries, and accessories in good working order and report issues promptly.
• Maintain tools and equipment used for grade checking.
• Perform cut/fill calculations and assist in planning earth‑moving operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and site protocols.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Grade Checker or related construction role.
• Ability to read plans and understand grade specifications.
• Familiarity with GPS grading systems (Trimble, Topcon, etc.).
• Ability to pass background checks by various Federal Agencies (e.g., DOD, DHS, FAA, etc.) to obtain security access.
• Valid driver’s license, with a clean driving record and the ability to be insured per company policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures.

Shareholder Preference

• Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendants, and Spouses in all phases of employment.

Core Competencies

• Self‑motivated – Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using their own drive or initiative.
• Communication, Oral – Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Time Management – Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Goal Oriented – Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre‑determined result.
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• May be indoors or outdoors, subject to confined spaces, changes in temperature, weather conditions, and noise levels.

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting, sitting, standing, stooping for prolonged periods of time, using hands/fingers requiring dexterity, should have good hand‑eye coordination and motion control in coordination with handling tools, equipment, and other related components.
• Reaching with hands and arms for items above and below sight level, talking, hearing and seeing (at close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth, color perception, and the ability to adjust focus); walking from place to place within the project location with occasional use of stairs and no elevator available; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 12 hours.
• Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds such as small electrical components, equipment and other materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule

Varies as business/operational needs dictate.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.