Heavy Equipment Operator

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Leave

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Retirement Options

Employee Well-Being

Tuition Waiver Program

Job summary

James Madison University seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Facilities Management in landscaping and campus maintenance. The regular schedule is Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with summer schedule adjustments and overtime for events and weather.

The role requires operating backhoes, dump trucks, and related equipment, performing mowing and pesticide tasks, and leading summer workers. A CDL A within one year and 19+ years old are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of heavy equipment operations and safety.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment in confined or populated areas safely.
• Operate backhoe, dump truck and related equipment for excavation/hauling.
• Perform landscaping tasks and handle emergency situations.
• Physically able to work long hours in varied conditions.
• Must be 19+ and hold a valid driver's license for 24+ months.
• CDL Class A with air brake endorsement within one year.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe, tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers, and trailers for landscaping and material transport.
• Safely operate a variety of mowing equipment to maintain campus grounds.
• Apply pesticides safely as directed, minimizing chemical use.
• Support other landscaping duties and maintain campus signage and cleanliness.
• Lead summer workers and assist in snow removal as needed.
• Work during home football games and be available during campus closings.

Skills

Equipment operation

CDL Class A

Backhoe operation

Dump truck operation

Landscaping knowledge

Driver's license

Job description

Working Title:

Heavy Equipment Operator

State Role Title:

Transportation Operator III

Position Type:

Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status:

Full-Time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:

Business Services

Department:

100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band:

3

Pay Rate:

Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount:

$45,000 - $49,000

Is this a JMU only position?

No

Is this a grant-funded position?

No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?

No

Beginning Review Date:

9/23/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution - we're a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees. Why Work at JMU? We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change - and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way. Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University's Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Heavy Equipment Operator. The regular schedule is Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., with an altered summer schedule and overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates backhoe, tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers and trailers for landscaping excavation and transporting materials needed for projects.
• Operates safely and properly a variety of heavy equipment such as mowers, highly complex mowing equipment to maintain an attractive campus.
• Uses pesticides safely as directed including proper application, storage and/or disposal to create an attractive environment while using as few chemicals as possible.
• Assists in other landscaping duties as needed to include the following: Maintains post, chain and signs campus wide while understanding the signs and knowing all heights and standards on campus; keeps campus beautified by trimming, edging, weed-eating, mowing, etc.
• Leads summer workers.
• Operates snow removal equipment as needed.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of landscaping practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operations to ensure safe operations.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment in confined and highly populated areas safely.
• Ability to operate a backhoe, dump truck and related equipment such as track hoes, dozers and front-end loaders for excavating and hauling.
• Must be able to perform all landscaping duties and deal with emergency situations.
• Ability to do physically demanding work for extended periods of time in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Must be at least 19 years of age and have maintained a valid driver's license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months.
• Must obtain a CDL Class A Driver's License with air brake endorsement within one year of hire.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.