Grader operator

Grader operators work with a heavy piece of mobile equipment that creates a flat surface by slicing off the top soil with a large blade. Graders usually provide a flat finish on the heavy earthmoving work performed by the scraper and bulldozer operators.

The following job titles also refer to grader operator:

grader operative
grader worker
grader driver
motor-grader driver
construction plant operator, grader
plant operator, grader
heavy plant operator, grader

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a grader operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Grader operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to grader operator.

scraper operator
road roller operator
bulldozer operator
excavator operator
tower crane operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of grader operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of grader operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

crane crew supervisor
sewer construction supervisor
bridge construction supervisor
demolition supervisor
construction scaffolding supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of grader operator.

• Mechanical tools: Understand machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

These skills are necessary for the role of grader operator.

• Keep heavy construction equipment in good condition: Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Inspect construction sites: Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Operate grader: Operate a grader, a piece of heavy equipment used in construction to create a flat surface.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Recognise the hazards of dangerous goods: Be aware of the threats posed by potentially dangerous goods such as polluting, toxic, corrosive, or explosive materials.
• Operate gps systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Drive mobile heavy construction equipment: Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.
• React to events in time-critical environments: Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of grader operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Machinery load capacity: The maximum load capacity of the operated piece of machinery, under different circumstances and in different positions and movements. Passive load capacity and active load capacity, which is measure while in motion.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of grader operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Sort waste: Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
• Operate construction scraper: Operate a scraper, a piece of heavy equipment that scrapes a layer of soil from the surface and transports it in a hopper.
• Operate heavy construction machinery without supervision: Work with heavy construction machinery independently without the intervention of a supervisor. Take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Transport construction supplies: Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers’ safety and protection from deterioration.
• Operate road roller: Operate various types of mechanic and manual road rollers, pieces of equipment used to compact surfaces.
• Operate bulldozer: Operate a tracked or wheeled bulldozer, a powerful piece of machinery equipped with a shovel-like blade used to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
• Operate excavator: Operate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Interpret 3d plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Perform minor repairs to equipment: Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Secure heavy construction equipment: Secure heavy equipment such as tower cranes or concrete pumps before, during, and after use to prevent damage to the machines, workforce or construction site. Take precautionary steps such as retracting the robotic arm of concrete pumps or bringing the hook block back to the jib.
• Interpret 2d plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
• Test soil load bearing capacity: Test the capacity of the ground to support the load applied to it before installing heavy structures, such as tower cranes, or before driving on it with heavy vehicles.

8342 – Earthmoving and related plant operators

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References

1. Grader operator – ESCO