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Job Details: Full-time,
Location: St.Catharines, ON
Thinking about joining the team?
Rankin Construction is a family-run business with over four decades of experience in the heavy civil construction sector. Built on strong core values, we take pride in delivering high-quality projects while fostering a culture of integrity, teamwork, and community. Our long-standing reputation reflects our commitment to excellence and the people who make it possible.
Joining the Rankin team is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career with a company that values its people as much as its projects. With a proven track record in the heavy civil construction industry, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. At Rankin, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across a diverse range of projects, allowing you to develop your skills and grow both personally and professionally. We are committed to investing in our team, fostering growth, and helping every individual reach their full potential.
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What will my role be?
A grademan is responsible for establishing and maintaining accurate elevations, grades, and alignments on construction sites. Working closely with foremen, surveyors, and equipment operators, the grademan ensures that earthworks, utilities, roadways, and other heavy civil infrastructure are constructed to the specified design and tolerances
As a Grademan, you will:
- Interpret and work from construction drawings, grade sheets, and survey stakes to establish required elevations and alignments.
- Set up, use, and maintain surveying and leveling equipment such as total stations, GPS rovers, laser levels, and grade rods to check and verify grades.
- Communicate accurate grade information to equipment operators (e.g., dozer, grader, excavator) and guide them in achieving the desired cuts, fills, and slopes.
- Check finished surfaces and work in progress to ensure compliance with project specifications and tolerances.
- Adjust and replace grade stakes, markings, or stringlines as necessary to reflect ongoing site progress and changes.
- Assist survey crews in laying out control points, benchmarks, and reference lines as required.
- Report any discrepancies, design conflicts, or grade-related issues to the foreman or project manager promptly.
- Maintain accurate records of grades and assist in producing as-built information if required.
- Ensure work is performed safely and in compliance with site safety protocols.
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What we’re looking for!
Are you a collaborative and driven individual with:
- Strong understanding of heavy civil construction practices, earthmoving operations, and grading principles.
- Proficiency in reading construction drawings, grade sheets, and specifications.
- Experience with modern survey and grading equipment, with attention to precision and detail.
- Good communication skills to effectively relay information to operators and supervisors.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, outdoor environment and adapt to site conditions.
Assets that will set you apart are:
- Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s license: The ability to travel between multiple job sites—some in remote or high-traffic areas—is critical for maintaining flexibility and supporting operational needs.
- Minimum 2 years experience within the heavy civil construction sector: Prior hands-on work in grading, roadwork, or earthworks shows you’re comfortable working around live equipment, interpreting site layouts, and contributing meaningfully to crew productivity.
- C.E.T. designation from an accredited College or equivalent: Certification as a Certified Engineering Technologist (or similar) reflects a strong technical foundation in civil construction, including surveying, layout, and material specifications— skills that are highly valued on complex infrastructure builds.
- Experience with GPS-Based Survey Equipment and Automated Grade Controls: Proficiency with Trimble, Topcon, or similar systems not only increases your efficiency but also ensures high-precision results that keep projects on-grade and on-schedule.
- Ability to Provide Accurate Grade Stakes and Check Elevations in Real-Time: Quick, reliable layout and grading support reduces rework, keeps crews moving, and enhances site-wide coordination.
- Willingness to extend hours, when necessary: Deadlines and weather can shift our daily timelines. A flexible, team-first attitude ensures we can adapt and maintain progress, especially during critical earthworks phases.
- Strong Understanding of Drainage Principles and Subgrade Preparation: An eye for site drainage and subgrade compaction means you’re helping lay the groundwork—literally—for the success and longevity of the finished structure.
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How to Apply
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit your application online via Indeed, email us at careers@rankin.ca, or drop off your resume in person — we’d be happy to meet you!
Apply Now
Think you’re a great fit? Fill out the application form below to get started. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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