🚜 HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – BLADE FINISHER (8/14/25)

Precision Finish Grading for Civil Construction Projects
Locations: Tucson, AZ and Santa Fe, NM
Pay: $29.00–$38.00/hour | Based on Experience
Type: Full-time | Hourly | Field-Based
Benefits: 401(k) match, health/dental/vision, life insurance, HSA, PTO, EAP, referral program

🏢 About the Opportunity:

Meridian Contracting is hiring experienced Finish Blade Operators to support critical infrastructure and earthwork projects across Tucson and Santa Fe. This role requires mastery of motor grader controls and the ability to deliver both rough and fine grades across a variety of terrains and soil types. If you’re a blade expert with a safety-first mindset and attention to finish details, we want to hear from you.

✅ Successful Team Members in This Role Will…

• Operate finish blades with high precision to meet project tolerances
• Read and follow grade stakes, blueprints, or GPS-assisted layout
• Prepare subgrades and finish surfaces for asphalt, concrete, or drainage infrastructure
• Conduct pre-operation inspections and routine equipment maintenance
• Collaborate with pipe crews, grade checkers, and foremen to meet production goals
• Adjust blade and equipment settings for soil conditions and slope transitions
• Document work progress, equipment use, and maintenance reports daily
• Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to all site and OSHA safety practices

🛠️ A Day in the Life of a Finish Blade Operator:

• Begin with a site safety meeting and review daily production goals
• Conduct equipment checks and blade calibration
• Execute finish grading based on staked elevations, engineering specs, or GPS layout
• Adjust cut/fill to achieve smooth, final-grade results
• Coordinate movements with ground crews and spotters
• Wrap up by performing equipment walkarounds and logging the day’s production

📈 Measurements of Success:

• Precise and clean finish grade achieved with minimal rework
• Safe operation with zero incidents or jobsite violations
• Strong coordination and communication with site leadership
• On-time progress toward milestone grading or paving prep
• High field team confidence in operator ability and production speed

🧰 Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years of experience operating finish blades (motor grader)
• Proven ability to achieve finish grade on tight tolerances and in multiple soil types
• Knowledge of construction site layouts, grading plans, and slope transitions
• Strong understanding of safety practices and equipment inspections
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform basic maintenance
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Physically able to work outdoors in variable weather and terrain
• Willingness to travel between project sites as needed