Knife River Careers

The Knife River Corporation, a leading construction materials and services provider, offers a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community involvement, Knife River presents an attractive employment prospect for professionals seeking meaningful work and growth. This article delves into the diverse career paths available at Knife River, highlighting the company's commitment to employee development and its impact on the industry.
A Diverse Range of Career Opportunities

Knife River Corporation, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc., is a major player in the construction materials and services industry. Headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, the company operates across the United States, providing an extensive array of career opportunities in diverse fields.
Construction Operations
Knife River’s construction division is a hub of activity, offering careers in heavy civil, commercial, and industrial construction. Professionals in this sector play a crucial role in building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure. From road and bridge construction to water and wastewater treatment facilities, the work is diverse and impactful.
The company's commitment to safety and innovation is evident in its construction projects. With a focus on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, Knife River's construction teams deliver high-quality projects that meet the needs of communities and the environment. The career opportunities in this sector range from project management and engineering to skilled trades and labor, providing a wide spectrum of roles for professionals with varying skill sets.
Position | Description |
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Project Manager | Responsible for overseeing construction projects, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. |
Civil Engineer | Designs and oversees the construction of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and utilities, ensuring they meet engineering standards and regulatory requirements. |
Heavy Equipment Operator | Operates heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, to move and shape earth, perform site preparation, and complete construction tasks. |
Safety Officer | Ensures compliance with safety regulations on construction sites, conducts safety audits, and provides training to promote a culture of safety. |

Aggregate Operations
Knife River’s aggregate division is a critical component of the company’s operations, supplying high-quality construction materials. This sector offers careers in mining, processing, and transporting aggregates such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which are essential for construction projects.
The company's aggregate operations are known for their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. From using advanced technologies for efficient extraction to implementing reclamation and rehabilitation programs, Knife River ensures responsible resource management. Career opportunities in this sector include aggregate plant operators, miners, and transportation specialists, all of whom play a vital role in the construction supply chain.
Position | Description |
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Aggregate Plant Manager | Oversees the operation and maintenance of aggregate processing plants, ensuring efficient production and adherence to quality standards. |
Miner | Works in quarries or mines to extract aggregates, using heavy machinery and specialized equipment to ensure safe and efficient extraction. |
Trucking Supervisor | Manages a fleet of trucks and drivers, coordinating the transportation of aggregates to construction sites and ensuring timely deliveries. |
Ready-Mix Concrete
Knife River’s ready-mix concrete division is a vital link in the construction supply chain, providing the essential building material for a wide range of projects. This sector offers careers in concrete production, delivery, and placement, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality concrete for construction sites.
The company's focus on innovation and sustainability is evident in its ready-mix concrete operations. From using advanced mixing technologies to reduce environmental impact to developing specialized concrete mixes for unique project requirements, Knife River is at the forefront of the industry. Career opportunities in this sector range from concrete batch plant operators and dispatchers to truck drivers and finishers, all of whom contribute to the seamless delivery of concrete to construction projects.
Position | Description |
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Concrete Batch Plant Operator | Controls and monitors the batching process, ensuring accurate measurements and consistent quality of concrete mixes. |
Dispatcher | Coordinates the scheduling and routing of concrete deliveries, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely deliveries to construction sites. |
Concrete Truck Driver | Operates concrete mixer trucks, delivering fresh concrete to construction sites and ensuring proper placement and curing conditions. |
Concrete Finisher | Finishes concrete surfaces, ensuring smooth and level surfaces, and applying appropriate finishes or coatings as required. |
Employee Development and Benefits

Knife River places a strong emphasis on employee development and well-being, offering comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities. The company’s culture fosters a supportive environment where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Knife River offers a competitive benefits package that caters to the diverse needs of its employees. This includes health insurance options, retirement savings plans, and various other perks that contribute to employees’ overall well-being and financial security. The company also provides opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge through training programs and educational assistance, ensuring a culture of continuous learning and development.
Training and Development Programs
The company’s commitment to employee development is evident through its comprehensive training programs. Knife River invests in its workforce by offering a range of educational opportunities, from technical training for skilled trades to leadership development programs for management roles. These initiatives not only enhance employees’ skills but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Additionally, Knife River encourages employees to pursue professional certifications and advanced degrees, providing tuition assistance and other support to facilitate their academic and professional growth. This commitment to education and skill enhancement ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the industry, with a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
Company Culture and Community Involvement
Knife River prides itself on its strong company culture, which emphasizes integrity, safety, and community involvement. The company believes in giving back to the communities it serves, supporting local initiatives and organizations through volunteer programs and charitable contributions. This commitment to community extends to employees, who are encouraged to participate in community service activities and initiatives, fostering a sense of social responsibility and teamwork.
Furthermore, Knife River promotes a collaborative and inclusive work environment, valuing diversity and the unique contributions of its employees. The company's leadership is committed to creating an atmosphere where ideas are valued, innovation is encouraged, and employees feel empowered to make a difference. This culture of collaboration and mutual respect contributes to a positive and engaging work experience for all employees.
Impact and Future Outlook
Knife River’s impact on the construction industry and local communities is significant and far-reaching. The company’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and community involvement sets it apart as a leader in its field. By prioritizing these values, Knife River not only delivers high-quality projects but also contributes to the long-term well-being of the communities it serves.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for Knife River is promising. With a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company is well-positioned to adapt to changing industry dynamics and market demands. Knife River's diverse range of career opportunities, coupled with its dedication to employee development and community involvement, ensures that it will continue to be a preferred employer and a driving force in the construction industry for years to come.
What are the key benefits of working at Knife River Corporation?
+Knife River offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and educational assistance. The company also prioritizes employee development through training programs and professional growth opportunities.
How does Knife River ensure a safe work environment for its employees?
+Knife River has a strong focus on safety, with dedicated safety officers and comprehensive safety protocols in place. The company provides regular safety training and encourages a culture of proactive safety measures to prevent incidents.
What are the career growth opportunities at Knife River?
+Knife River offers a range of career paths with opportunities for advancement. The company values internal promotions and provides support for employees to enhance their skills and take on new challenges, fostering a culture of continuous growth and development.
How does Knife River contribute to sustainability and environmental stewardship?
+Knife River is committed to sustainable practices across its operations. This includes using advanced technologies for efficient resource management, implementing recycling and reclamation programs, and promoting environmentally conscious construction methods.