This position is based at Four Departments Compound, Lusaka, Zambia. The grader operator is responsible for safe, precise operation of motor graders on road and infrastructure construction sites, completing ground leveling, slope shaping, ditching and road finishing works in strict accordance with engineering drawings, survey stakes and construction technical standards. The operator shall take charge of daily equipment inspection, routine maintenance and site safety management, cooperate closely with surveyors, roller operators, foremen and ground crews to guarantee construction quality, progress and on-site safety.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Equipment Operation & Construction Work
- Skilfully operate motor grader hydraulic control systems to adjust blade height, angle and tilt, level subgrade, spread gravel/earth aggregate, build road shoulders, cut drainage ditches and shape road slopes to meet required elevation, cross slope and longitudinal gradient standards.
- Conduct fine grading and surface smoothing, coordinate with compactors and pavers to ensure flatness of road base and pavement.
- Clear site obstacles, remove loose rock, debris and uneven soil before grading to eliminate operation hazards.
- Operate other auxiliary heavy equipment (loader, bulldozer etc.) temporarily as assigned by site foreman.
- Daily Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
- Complete full pre-shift inspection of motor grader: check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, tire pressure, braking system, blade cutting edges, lubrication points, lights and warning devices; record inspection data truthfully in daily equipment logbook.
- Perform routine maintenance including refueling, greasing all lubrication points and cleaning machine body during off-shift hours.
- Timely report any abnormal noise, oil leakage, component damage or mechanical failure to equipment supervisor; cooperate with maintenance staff for minor on-site repairs and troubleshooting.
- Keep the grader clean and tidy, store tools and attachments properly after work.
- Technical Coordination & Record Keeping
- Read construction drawings, follow survey markers and engineer’s technical instructions to control construction accuracy.
- Communicate real-time construction progress, terrain issues and equipment faults to foremen and engineers.
- Fill in daily operation log, fuel consumption record and equipment maintenance record completely and accurately.
- Site Safety Compliance
- Strictly follow construction site safety rules and machinery operating procedures, wear full PPE (safety helmet, reflective vest, safety boots) at all times.
- Watch surrounding workers and vehicles during operation to prevent collision and crush accidents; set warning signs when working on road sections.
- Attend regular site safety briefings and training activities; report all safety hazards, equipment accidents and personal injuries immediately.
- Maintain clean and unobstructed operation area after finishing daily tasks.
- Other Duties
- Complete temporary construction tasks and manual auxiliary work arranged by management.
- Guide new trainee operators on basic grader operation and safety norms when required.
Job Requirements & Qualifications
- Hold valid motor grader operation certificate and heavy machinery operation license with verifiable working experience on road construction projects.
- Master grading operation techniques, capable of judging elevation, slope and drainage requirements via survey stakes and drawings.
- Familiar with grader structure, daily inspection items and simple fault judgment; able to complete routine maintenance independently.
- Good communication skills to coordinate with survey, construction and machinery teams.
- Strict safety awareness, responsible work attitude, able to work outdoors under high temperature and harsh site conditions, accept overtime work as project demands.
- No bad operation habits, abide by company site management regulations and labor disciplines.
