Heavy Equipment Operator

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Balanced Dukes Well-Being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

James Madison University (JMU) Facilities Management is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to maintain campus landscapes. The regular schedule is Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with summer hours and overtime for events and weather.

You will operate backhoes, dump trucks, tractors, and street sweepers, lead summer workers, and perform snow removal as needed. The position is full-time staff; classification is non-exempt with overtime eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment is preferred.
• Leadership experience with summer workers is a plus.
• Ability to work non-standard hours during events or weather situations.

Responsibilities

• Operates backhoe, tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers and trailers for landscaping excavation and transporting materials.
• Operates safely and properly a variety of heavy equipment to maintain campus aesthetics.
• Uses pesticides safely as directed with minimal chemical use to maintain landscape quality.
• Assists in other landscaping duties including trimming, edging, mowing and campus signage maintenance.
• Leads summer workers.
• Operates snow removal equipment as needed.
• Employee is required to work all home football games and may be required to work during emergencies.

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