Grade Setter

Forgen is dedicated to building a better future - for generations.

Location: Donaldsonville, LA

Position Summary

This position involves various manual and grading tasks including, but not limited to setting grade markers; monitors grade to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping and fill embankments; operates and understands the use of a variety of measuring instruments and hand tools. Work will be performed per the Superintendent's instruction and/or assigned representative, free from direct supervision except for more complicated jobs.

Forgen Overview

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities

• Embrace Forgen's Core Values in all aspects of the job.
• Participate in a drug-free workplace with a random drug testing program.
• Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance.
• Responsible for setting up and calibrating base and rover survey equipment, including but not limited to Trimble and Topcon systems.
• Perform surveying tasks using equipment such as Trimble and Topcon for stakeouts, point collection, grading checks, and other assigned duties.
• Manage the configuration of construction equipment with GPS capabilities, including loading machine files and collecting relevant data to support project operations.
• Use hand-held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
• Read and comply with safety plans, rules, maintenance instructions, training materials, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), warning tags, traffic signs and procedure manuals.
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.
• 5+ years' experience in grade setting and layout in the horizontal construction field.
• 5+ years' of experience using Trimble GPS equipment.
• 5+ years' experience setting grades, slopes, and understanding cut and fills.
• Ability to work with others or independently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• General computer operation is necessary.
• Ability to embrace a culture of safety.
• Reads and sets grade markers following construction plans.
• Operates and ensures proper use of grade equipment.
• Observes excavating activities to verify conformance to marker references and notifies equipment operators and Foreman of deviations.
• Interacts and professionally communicates with construction crew members who facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of the equipment to complete confirmation of grade specifications for the construction project.
• Familiar with completing original surface topographical mapping.
• Competency inaccurate layout for various jobs and communicating with project managers on specifics of each job requirement.
• May perform various other labor-intensive activities as instructed by Superintendent to help ensure timely project completion.
• Self-sufficient, capable of the following direction, and working unsupervised when needed.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Work extended hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 40 Hour HAZWOPER training
• Competent Person Safety Training
• 8-Hour Supervisory Training
• 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training
• First Aid and CPR

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, extended standing or walking on project sites, climbing in and out of equipment, and working in confined spaces or at heights.
• Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible exposure to heavy machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and extreme weather.
• Proper PPE, including protective eyewear, gloves, a hard hat, and steel-toed boots, is required.
• Effective communication, tool use, and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

• This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive.
• Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed.
• Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.