Dozer​/Finish Grade Operator

• Base Pay $29.04 - $39.09 / Hour
• Job Category Field
• Employee Type Full Time

Since starting in 1983, Tapani has evolved from a single-person operation to a family-led legacy, maintaining a fun and friendly environment from the beginning. With a large team across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, we now cover five diverse market sectors:
Civil Site Development, Buildings, Environmental, Transportation, and Utility Infrastructure. The consistent dedication to our core values has helped us grow, creating more opportunities for our current team and the need for new teammates.

The Dozer / Finish Grade Operator is responsible for operating dozers and other heavy equipment to ensure the day-to-day activities of the onsite project move forward in accordance with the Foreman's direction and schedule. This position is responsible for rough and finish grading, maintaining proper elevations and slopes, and completing work accurately and efficiently.

• Communicate with Foreman to understand the plan for the day.
• Ensure all equipment being operated for the day is warmed up and operational by shift start.
• Ensure communication is maintained with other field workers to ensure efficient results and a safe working environment.
• Operate dozers and other heavy equipment as needed.
• Perform rough grading and finish grading to required elevations, slopes, and project specifications.
• Read and understand grade stakes, site plans, and elevation information.
• Use GPS or machine control systems when applicable.
• Assist with all tasks to ensure a quality project by Tapani Inc.

• Complete an equipment walk-around, keeping the cab clean and cleaning the windows and tracks when needed.
• Understand all functions and mechanics; ensure proper attachments, hoses, belts, cutting edges, and other components are utilized and maintained.
• Understand and perform all daily machine checks and maintenance needs; ensure proper greasing, oiling, and minor repairs.
• Communicate with Foreman all equipment concerns and repair needs.
• Understand the machine's abilities and limits of performance and stay within limit bounds.
• Know and understand the functions of each piece of equipment being operated.
• Maintain proper blade control and operate equipment in a manner that produces accurate grades and minimizes rework.
• Ensure safe use of equipment; show regard for the equipment, the project, others onsite, traffic, and the overall environment.
• Ensure proper handling of equipment while in operation and know where the perimeter of the machine is at all times.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding employees, equipment, utilities, structures, and changing site conditions.
• Job involves a moderate to high degree of complexity due to the knowledge required to understand dozer functions, grading techniques, elevations, slopes, drainage, and how different soils react to the equipment being operated.

• Ensure proper awareness and communication at all times with other employees while operating the machine.
• Ensure OSHA standards are adhered to.
• Understand the safety risks associated with each task and ensure proper safety methods are followed.
• Ensure all safety training is current.
• Know and understand the soils and how they react to the dozer and other equipment being operated.
• Understand dig laws and locates while also knowing the color codes.
• Maintain awareness of underground utilities, overhead hazards, traffic, ground personnel, and surrounding equipment.
• Ensure safe operation on slopes, uneven ground, soft soils, and around excavations.

• Ensure an atmosphere of teamwork and utilization of each crew member's abilities.
• Maintain efficiency and quality throughout the project.
• Communicate to Foreman changes that reflect the best interests of the owner and Tapani Inc.
• Bring concerns to the Foreman to assist with resolving issues quickly.
• Always seek ways to learn and grow personally and professionally.
• Maintain machine cleanliness.
• Train others in dozer operation and grading techniques.

Uphold Tapani's Purpose document: Demonstrate actions and behaviors that align with Tapani's Purpose and Values (Purpose and Values).

• High school education or equivalent.
• 1–2 years prior experience as an equipment operator.
• Prior experience operating dozers and performing rough or finish grading preferred.
• Understand the operations and maintenance of all tools and equipment utilized onsite.
• Ability to read and understand grade stakes, elevations, slopes, and site plans.
• Experience using GPS or machine control systems preferred.
• Job involves a moderate to high degree of complexity due to needing the knowledge to understand dozer functions, grading techniques, and how soils react to the equipment being operated.
• Ability to produce accurate grades and…