Equipment Operator

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about working outdoors and skilled in operating heavy machinery? Join our team as an Equipment Operator, where you’ll be at the forefront of keeping our campus beautiful and functional year-round. From snow removal to landscaping and road maintenance, your expertise will ensure that our university grounds remain in top condition. You’ll handle a variety of tasks, from clearing trees and buildings to constructing roads and laying water lines. If you’re ready to take on challenges, maintain essential equipment, and make a tangible impact on our campus, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Requirements

• Two years of related equipment operating experience.
• Possession of a valid Chauffeur’s or Commercial Driver’s License as required.
• Must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake and complete motor vehicle inspector certification at time of hire.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Ability to work outside during inclement weather and to be on call during emergency situations.
• Skill in the operation of equipment such as dozers, draglines, endloaders, graders, and trucks and knowledge sufficient to maintain and repair such equipment.
• Ability to operate trucks and equipment in a safe and conscientious manner.
• Ability to interpret oral and written instruction.
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the work of others.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience removing snow with large equipment
• Experience operating a backhoe in situations with a large number of utilities
• Experience operating a road grader
• Experience doing concrete work
• Class A driver’s license with air brakes

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment for grounds maintenance, including tractors, loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Perform snow and ice removal during winter months to ensure safe campus access.
• Conduct landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, planting, and mulching.
• Assist in the construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Clear debris, fallen trees, and other obstructions from campus grounds.
• Install and repair underground utilities including water lines and drainage systems.
• Conduct routine inspections and minor repairs on assigned equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used.
• Support special event setups and assist with emergency response as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Operates machinery to remove snow and perform landscaping, fine and rough grading and related maintenance of roads, parking lots, and other campus grounds.
• Operates dozers, draglines, backhoes, endloaders, graders, trucks and other equipment to fill ditches, remove trees and buildings, build roads, lay tile and water lines, and load and unload heavy material.
• Maintains and repairs equipment.
• Assists in directing the work of apprentices.
• Responds to calls for emergency service including snow removal as required.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees