Grade Setter

Forgen; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 48,698 - 83,647; Full time

Job summary

Forgen is seeking a skilled professional in Stockton, CA for a position focused on manual grading tasks and the operation of GPS equipment. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in horizontal construction and grade setting. Responsibilities include setting up survey equipment, ensuring safety compliance, and collaborating with construction teams.

The role requires physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols. A high school diploma and a valid driver's license are required. Forgen emphasizes a culture of safety and provides a competitive pay range of $35.35 to $60.72 USD per hour.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in grade setting and layout in horizontal construction.
• 5+ years' experience using Trimble GPS equipment.
• Ability to work with others or independently under minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate survey equipment for grading tasks.
• Perform surveying using equipment for stakeouts and grading checks.
• Coordinate tasks with construction crew members.

Skills

Grade setting and layout

Trimble GPS equipment

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

Independent work

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Trimble equipment

Topcon equipment

Job description

Location: Stockton, CA

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 Overview

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 in 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 directional work, 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.

Pay Range

$35.35 – $60.72 USD

Equal Opportunity

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