Grade Setter

Forgen LLC; Donaldsonville (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil construction company is seeking an experienced individual for grade setting and layout tasks. Responsibilities include operating Trimble GPS equipment for grading and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least 5 years of relevant experience. The role demands excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. This position may require extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in grade setting and layout in horizontal construction.
• 5+ years’ experience using Trimble GPS equipment.
• Ability to read and set grade markers following construction plans.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate base and rover survey equipment.
• Perform surveying tasks using Trimble and Topcon for stakeouts and grading checks.
• Observe excavating activities and verify conformance to marker references.

Skills

Grade setting and layout expertise

Use of Trimble GPS equipment

Ability to work independently

Excellent customer relations skills

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Trimble and Topcon systems

Job description

Forgen is dedicated to building a better future - for generations.

Position Summary

This position involves various manual and grading tasks including, but not limited to setting grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill embankments; operates and understands the use of a variety of measuring instruments and hand tools. Work will be performed per the Superintendent’s instruction and/or assigned representative, free from direct supervision except for more complicated jobs.

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values of integrity, passion, teamwork, and smart work.

Key Responsibilities

• Embrace Forgen’s Core Values in all aspects of the job.
• Participate in a drug‑free workplace with a random drug testing program.
• Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance.
• Responsible for setting up and calibrating base and rover survey equipment, including but not limited to Trimble and Topcon systems.
• Perform surveying tasks using equipment such as Trimble and Topcon for stakeouts, point collection, grading checks, and other assigned duties.
• Manage the configuration of construction equipment with GPS capabilities, including loading machine files and collecting relevant data to support project operations.
• Use hand‑held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
• Read and comply with safety plans, rules, maintenance instructions, training materials, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), warning tags, traffic signs and procedure manuals.
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.
• 5+ years’ experience in grade setting and layout in the horizontal construction field.
• 5+ years’ of experience using Trimble GPS equipment.
• 5+ years’ experience setting grades, slopes, and understanding cut and fills.
• Ability to work with others or independently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• General computer operation is necessary.
• Ability to embrace a culture of safety.
• Reads and sets grade markers following construction plans.
• Operates and ensures proper use of grade equipment.
• Observes excavating activities to verify conformance to marker references and notifies equipment operators and Foreman of deviations.
• Interacts and professionally communicates with construction crew members who facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of the equipment to complete confirmation of grade specifications for the construction project.
• Familiar with completing original surface topographical mapping.
• Competency inaccurate layout for various jobs and communicating with project managers on specifics of each job requirement.
• May perform various other labor‑intensive activities as instructed by Superintendent to help ensure timely project completion.
• Self‑sufficient, capable of the following direction, and working unsupervised when needed.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Work extended hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 40 Hour HAZWOPER training
• Competent Person Safety Training
• 8-Hour Supervisory Training
• 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training
• First Aid and CPR

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, extended standing or walking on project sites, climbing in and out of equipment, and working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible exposure to heavy machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and extreme weather. Proper PPE, including protective eyewear, gloves, a hard hat, and steel‑toed boots, is required. Effective communication, tool use, and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed. Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.

Forgen is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibit s discrimination based on any legally protected status.

Privacy Policy

At Forgen, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use your personal data to manage the recruitment process, including assessing your application, verifying information, and, if applicable, entering into an employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as background checks, and only where permitted by law. We implement appropriate security measures to safeguard your information and retain it only as long as necessary for recruitment and legal purposes.

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data, and to withdraw your consent at any time where applicable. For questions or to exercise your rights, please contact [e-mail] .