At Grade Tech, we don’t look for people who sit around waiting to be told what to do. We look for individuals who see the next step in the process, grab the initiative, and execute. When a young laborer brings that level of raw work ethic to our crew, their climb through the ranks happens fast.

Today, we are proud to celebrate the three-year work anniversary of Foreman Kjell Worthington, who officially hit his milestone on June 5, 2026.

From an Instagram Video to a Career in the Left Seat

Born, raised, and still living in Lehi, Utah, Kjell started his journey in the dirt world straight out of high school. He spent eight months laying pipe in Saratoga Springs, gaining a baseline understanding of utility work. But Kjell wanted more production, bigger iron, and a faster pace.

He found exactly what he was looking for on social media.

“I saw Grade Tech on Instagram,” Kjell says. “I watched the videos, liked what I saw, and applied.”

Three years later, Kjell has transitioned from a hungry new hire into a trusted field leader. As a foreman, his daily reality is fast-paced, high-stakes, and completely unrelenting.

“A typical day is hectic and busy as f*ck,” Kjell explains. “Moving dirt is what we do, even if it is small or large amounts. Getting in the equipment, building a pad, digging for pipe, digging for ditches, laying rip rap—it is large-scale dirt moving.”

Playing the Game: Surviving 14-to-16-Hour Days

Stepping into leadership in the heavy civil trade means managing more than just machines; it means managing chaos, logistics, and competing demands under tight schedules. Kjell understands that handling stress is a mental game that requires absolute balance.

“The hardest part is the long, stressful days,” Kjell says. “Fourteen-to-sixteen-hour days where you have multiple things happening and multiple people wanting different things and you have to do your best. You have to play the game or the game plays you. You have to work with what people need but also balance what everyone needs.”

According to Kjell, success in this environment boils down to mindset and anticipation.

“Work hard. Have the work ethic,” Kjell advises. “Show up with a come-to-work attitude and know the next step in the process rather than waiting to be told what to do. Take the initiative. Even as a laborer, it is hard to know exactly what you are doing, but trying to take the initiative goes a long way.”

The Payoff: Heavy Work and Heavy Checks

While the hours are long and the travel is demanding, Kjell highlights that the financial freedom available in the heavy civil trades outpaces almost any traditional career path for professionals his age.

“The amount of money you make is more than most people my age,” Kjell notes. “You travel a lot and work a lot, but the money you make when you are working hard allows you to buy all the toys and things you want while you are home. Traveling for work is also a plus. I have traveled to six of the Western states since I have been here, and I get to see new places and make a sh*t ton of money.”

When he does get his hard-earned time off, Kjell focuses on resetting. He has played soccer since childhood and loves watching games, hanging out with his parents and family, and spending time with his girlfriend.

Looking forward, Kjell is focused on mastering the logistical and managerial sides of his foreman role, supported by Grade Tech’s commitment to running the most advanced operation in the industry.

“I am still learning as a foreman right now, but I am excited to learn about everything,” Kjell says. “Rory isn’t afraid to spend money, so I get to learn brand-new equipment, technology, GPS, lasers, and tools constantly.”

Turning Sh*tty Days into Better Ones

Even on the toughest jobs under the burning desert sun, Kjell emphasizes that the brotherhood on the Grade Tech crew is what keeps the operations moving forward cleanly.

“I love the morale of the guys,” Kjell says. “Everybody here is fun to work with no matter what. Even on sh*tty days, the morale of the crew or the guys that I work with make a sh*tty day a better day.”

Thank you, Kjell, for your leadership, your sharp initiative, and the relentless work ethic you bring to Grade Tech every single day. We are proud to have you running our crews and building the future of the Western grid.

Mental Health Non-Profit Options for Kjell’s $1,000 Donation

To honor Kjell’s three years of dedication, Grade Tech will make a $1,000 donation in his name. Because Kjell lost two uncles—including one who served in the Army—to suicide… 

here are three highly reputable organizations specializing in suicide prevention and veteran PTSD relief for him to choose from:

  • Stop Soldier Suicide: This veteran-led organization focuses specifically on the intersection of military service, PTSD, and suicide. They use advanced data and targeted, 24/7 case management to provide free, confidential mental health resources to veterans and service members at the highest risk.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): The largest grassroots suicide prevention organization in the country. They fund scientific research, offer educational programs for communities, advocate for public policies regarding mental health, and provide direct support to families and individuals who are survivors of suicide loss.
  • K9s For Warriors: This highly transparent non-profit focuses heavily on veteran PTSD recovery. They rescue shelter dogs and train them to become certified service animals, pairing them for free with military veterans struggling with severe post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and civilian re-entry challenges.