How to hire a universal grinder operator

How to hire a universal grinder operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step universal grinder operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a universal grinder operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new universal grinder operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The universal grinder operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A universal grinder operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, universal grinder operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of universal grinder operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Universal Grinder Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Universal Grinder Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-26
   Polisher	Polishers need skills in critical thinking, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and social perceptiveness. Generally, this career requires only a high school diploma or GED, though some polishers do hold bachelor's degrees... Show more	$12-18
   Grinder	Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Grinders
   • Gannon
   • Water Truck

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Balance and set up various size rolls to G1, exceeding industry standards.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your universal grinder operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A universal grinder operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, universal grinder operators' average salary in alabama is 31% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level universal grinder operators earn 48% less than senior-level universal grinder operators.
   • Certifications. A universal grinder operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a universal grinder operator's salary.

   Average universal grinder operator salary

   $40,509yearly

   $19.48 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level universal grinder operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a universal grinder operator job description

   A universal grinder operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a universal grinder operator job description:

   Universal grinder operator job description example

   Are you looking for a company you can grow with? A company where you feel like part of the family and not just another employee number? Do you want to be a part of something great? Hunter Contracting Co. is a family-owned, heavy civil contracting firm serving Arizona since 1961. We are looking for good, hard-working, high-energy, self-motivating, professional individuals to grow with our project needs.
   What we are proud to offer you :
   
   + Medical/Telemedicine
   
   + Dental
   
   + Vision
   
   + Flexible Spending Account
   
   + 401K
   
   + Life Insurance
   
   + Health and Wellness Programs
   
   + Sick and Holiday pay
   
   Job Purpose: To operate several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, trackhoes, backhoes, tractors, compactors, rollers, or loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth and aggregates, hoist materials, and place concrete, asphalt, or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
   
   Roles, Duties, & Responsibilities:
   
   + Runs, maneuvers, navigate, or drives mechanized equipment.
   
   + Grades or redistributes earth, aggregates, or materials for the construction or repair of structures, highways, and roads.
   
   + Signals directions and warnings to coworkers.
   
   + Fastens attachments or accessories to equipment.
   
   + Turns valves to control air and water output of compressors and pumps.
   
   + Adjusts hand wheels, levers, and depresses pedals to drive machines and control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, and swing booms.
   
   + Watches gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure the machine is working properly.
   
   + Inspects equipment for deficiencies, such as tires, lights, brakes, fuses and fluid levels and submits report indicating equipment condition.
   
   + Determines the causes of operating errors and decides what to do about it.
   
   + Reads and interprets survey markers and stakes to meet set standards.
   
   + Reads and interprets engineering drawings and specifications.
   
   + Adheres to all Hunter Contracting Co. safety policies, procedures, and instructions from management.
   
   + Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.
   
   Work Qualifications:
   
   + Practices good safety habits.
   
   + Follows oral directions and meets set standards.
   
   + Judges distances and slopes accurately.
   
   + Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
   
   + Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in the construction or repair of structures, highways, or roads.
   
   + Knowledge of materials, production processes, and quality control.
   
   + Work within precise standards of accuracy.
   
   + Prioritizes work to meet goals or deadlines.
   
   + Demonstrates attentive and active listening skills.
   
   Education & Work Experience Guidelines:
   
   + GED or High School Diploma
   
   + Five (5) + years of experience in operation of power construction equipment; OR,
   
   + Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by the hiring manager.
   
   We do E-Verify, Background Checks and Drug Screens
   
   Women, Minorities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
   
   EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY statement
   
   Hunter provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Hunter complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training, apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training.
   
   M/F/D/V

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find universal grinder operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any universal grinder operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level universal grinder operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your universal grinder operator job on Zippia to find and recruit universal grinder operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit universal grinder operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new universal grinder operator

   Once you've found the universal grinder operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new universal grinder operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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