GRADING SUPERINTENDENT (TRAVELING)
Knife River - North Central, Bemidji, MN, United States
ROLE OVERVIEW
Knife River is seeking an experienced
Grading Superintendent
to lead grading and drainage operations on publicly bid DOT and airport projects. This is a
fielddriven leadership role
with full responsibility for how the work gets built.
If you've led large earthwork and drainage spreads, understand production and cost control, and take pride in building work the right way - this role is for you.
What You’ll Do
Lead and execute grading and drainage operations including excavation, embankment, subgrade, storm drainage, culverts, and erosion control.
Read and interpret plans, specifications, and quantities for DOT and airport work.
Manage crews, equipment, and subcontractors to meet production goals
within budget .
Track daily production and costs; adjust crews, sequencing, or methods as conditions change.
Ensure work is built to grade, within tolerance, and meets compaction requirements.
Maintain clear daily communication with project management.
Complete accurate field reporting including timecards, production, and equipment hours.
How You’ll Lead - Knife River Core Values People
Lead with respect and professionalism.
Coach and develop operators, foremen, and crews.
Build a strong, team-oriented jobsite culture.
Safety
Champion Knife River's
I Choose Safety
culture.
Lead by example - no shortcuts.
Conduct daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
Stop work and correct unsafe conditions immediately.
Quality
Build grading and drainage work right the first time.
Take ownership of the finished product.
Prevent rework by addressing issues early.
Environment
Install and maintain erosion control and stormwater measures.
Maintain compliance with environmental plans and permits.
Protect surrounding land and resources.
What We’re Looking For
10+ years of heavy civil construction experience
5+ years in a superintendent or lead supervisory role
overseeing grading and drainage operations
Proven experience on publicly bid DOT and/or airport projects
Strong knowledge of earthwork and drainage equipment, methods, and sequencing
Demonstrated ability to manage production, schedule, and
field level costs
Willingness to lead from the field
Work Schedule & Travel
Seasonal Full Time Position
100% Travel Required
- This role is based in the field at project locations and requires extended time away from home
What Success Looks Like
Crews go home safe every day
Work is completed on grade, on time, and within budget
Challenges are owned and solved in the field
Knife River's values— People, Safety, Quality, and Environment —are visible on the jobsite every day
Estimated Season Compensation Range
Estimated compensation range for the construction season is: $2,750 - $3,250 weekly
Benefits
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with Company Match
Profit Sharing
Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Time
Paid Holidays
Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Short-term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Years of Service Recognition
Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
Critical Illness Plan
Accident Coverage Plan
Hospital Indemnity
Why Knife River At Knife River, we trust our superintendents to run the work. You'll have real responsibility, clear expectations, and the support needed to deliver high-quality results on complex public projects.
How to Apply Send your resume and cover letter to the following address if you cannot apply online:
ATTN HR PO Box 40 Bemidji, MN 56619
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Grading Superintendent
to lead grading and drainage operations on publicly bid DOT and airport projects. This is a
fielddriven leadership role
with full responsibility for how the work gets built.
If you've led large earthwork and drainage spreads, understand production and cost control, and take pride in building work the right way - this role is for you.
What You’ll Do
Lead and execute grading and drainage operations including excavation, embankment, subgrade, storm drainage, culverts, and erosion control.
Read and interpret plans, specifications, and quantities for DOT and airport work.
Manage crews, equipment, and subcontractors to meet production goals
within budget .
Track daily production and costs; adjust crews, sequencing, or methods as conditions change.
Ensure work is built to grade, within tolerance, and meets compaction requirements.
Maintain clear daily communication with project management.
Complete accurate field reporting including timecards, production, and equipment hours.
How You’ll Lead - Knife River Core Values People
Lead with respect and professionalism.
Coach and develop operators, foremen, and crews.
Build a strong, team-oriented jobsite culture.
Safety
Champion Knife River's
I Choose Safety
culture.
Lead by example - no shortcuts.
Conduct daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
Stop work and correct unsafe conditions immediately.
Quality
Build grading and drainage work right the first time.
Take ownership of the finished product.
Prevent rework by addressing issues early.
Environment
Install and maintain erosion control and stormwater measures.
Maintain compliance with environmental plans and permits.
Protect surrounding land and resources.
What We’re Looking For
10+ years of heavy civil construction experience
5+ years in a superintendent or lead supervisory role
overseeing grading and drainage operations
Proven experience on publicly bid DOT and/or airport projects
Strong knowledge of earthwork and drainage equipment, methods, and sequencing
Demonstrated ability to manage production, schedule, and
field level costs
Willingness to lead from the field
Work Schedule & Travel
Seasonal Full Time Position
100% Travel Required
- This role is based in the field at project locations and requires extended time away from home
What Success Looks Like
Crews go home safe every day
Work is completed on grade, on time, and within budget
Challenges are owned and solved in the field
Knife River's values— People, Safety, Quality, and Environment —are visible on the jobsite every day
Estimated Season Compensation Range
Estimated compensation range for the construction season is: $2,750 - $3,250 weekly
Benefits
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with Company Match
Profit Sharing
Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Time
Paid Holidays
Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Short-term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Years of Service Recognition
Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
Critical Illness Plan
Accident Coverage Plan
Hospital Indemnity
Why Knife River At Knife River, we trust our superintendents to run the work. You'll have real responsibility, clear expectations, and the support needed to deliver high-quality results on complex public projects.
How to Apply Send your resume and cover letter to the following address if you cannot apply online:
ATTN HR PO Box 40 Bemidji, MN 56619
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr