Motor Grader Operator

Adams Construction Company is one of the oldest asphalt paving firms in Virginia. Since 1946, Adams has participated in the construction of every interstate throughout Virginia and most of the primary highways. Throughout the Company’s growth in Virginia and into North Carolina, it has strived to maintain a family culture in a corporate world. We strive for our team members to model behaviors that align with our Mission, Vision and Values.

Under general supervision of assigned superintendent, the Motor Grader Operator is a key, highly skilled member of the stone crew responsible for operating heavy machinery to spread, level, and finish dirt and crushed stone to precise specifications for parking lots and roadways. They are responsible for operating controls to adjust blade height and angle, performing daily maintenance checks, monitoring slope, and ensuring site safety.

• Grading & Finishing:
  Perform fine grading to include spreading and leveling earth and stone to meet construction, road maintenance, drainage, and project design specifications.
• Equipment Control:
  Operating motor grader to spread materials to prepare construction sites for asphalt paving. Ability to operate controls to adjust blade angle and depth, achieving specific grade tolerances for road construction, site prep, and finish work.
• Site Safety:
  Following safety protocols to avoid hazards, obstacles, and injuries on site.
• Material Application:
  Control speed, direction, and material flow to ensure consistent, high‑quality compaction and accurate thickness, complying with project specifications.
• Maintenance:
  Perform daily maintenance, such as checking fluids, cleaning machinery, and lubricating parts to prevent breakdowns. Repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
• Team Coordination:
  Work closely with the dump truck drivers and other crew members using hand signals to ensure material placement in correct location.
• Operate tamping machines or manually roll surfaces to compact dirt and finished road materials, according to grade specifications.
• Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
• Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.

• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
• The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
• High level of hand‑eye coordination is required to manipulate multiple levers, pedals, or joysticks simultaneously.
• The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Able to understand and carry out verbal and or written directions paying attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy loads of 40 to 50 pounds or more on a daily basis.
• Comfort working in extreme temperatures (heat and cold), humidity, and dusty environments for periods of 10‑12 hours.

• High School diploma/GED.
• Proven experience (minimum three (3) years) operating heavy equipment, specifically motor grader in construction or road maintenance. Experience operating backhoe, skid steer, and roller is also preferred.
• Ability to read project plans and understand grades (i.e. cut/fill elevations on grade stakes).
• Possesses a strong work ethic, teamwork and respect to all individuals.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation. CDL preferred.
• Candidates must be able to work overtime, nights, and weekends, as projects demand.
• Candidates must be able to pass a pre‑employment drug test as well as random tests if selected during employment.

• Medical
• Health Savings Account
• Dental
• Employer paid life/AD&D insurance
• Vision
• Employer paid short term disability
• 401K
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Employee Wellness Program

This job description should not be construed to imply that this is exclusive standards of the position. Employees are directed to follow additional instructions and perform related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.