Heavy Equipment Operator - Grading Division

Mcaninch Corp.; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision insurance

ESOP shares

Pension dues (Local 234)

Job summary

McAninch Corporation in Des Moines, IA is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator for the Grading Division. You will safely operate QuadTracks pulling a scraper, bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment on mass grading projects, with travel across Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.

We offer 50–60 hour weeks with Saturday overtime, a strong safety culture, and ESOP ownership. Start time is 6:30am; benefits include 100% paid health/dental/vision premiums via Local 234, and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment with CAT controls.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
• Willingness to travel across Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.
• Able to work 10–12 hours daily with frequent weekend overtime.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow all company, OSHA, and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate Quadtrac tractors with scrapers, bulldozers, excavators, skid loaders, rollers and other equipment.
• Perform light maintenance such as greasing, checking fluids, and fueling.
• Act as a safety spotter for other operators.
• Anticipate operational needs for productive work.
• Participate in daily PTPs and complete daily inspections.
• Perform manual labor as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CAT controls

Team oriented

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

McAninch Corporation

Heavy Equipment Operator - Grading Division

Des Moines, IA 50313

Who Are We?

McAninch Corporation is a leader in the grading and underground utility industry. We are an employee-owned company that has been recognized as an Iowa Top Workplace for the last 8 years. We partner with a wide variety of clients to provide mass grading, underground wet and dry utilities, excavation, and backfill services for residential and industrial construction projects in Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.

Position Description:

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to safely and efficiently operate QuadTracks pulling a scraper, excavators, dozers, and other heavy equipment on mass grading projects. This role supports site preparation and excavations while maintaining high standards for safety, productivity, and equipment care. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with heavy equipment on construction jobsites, are proficient with CAT controls, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented construction environment.

Applicants must be available to travel across Iowa and Eastern Nebraska as projects are awarded.

Operators start work at 6:30am Monday through Saturday and can expect 50-60 hours per week. Saturday overtime required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow all company, OSHA, and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate heavy equipment including Quadtrac tractors with scrapers, bulldozers, excavators, skid loaders, rollers, and other equipment as assigned.
• Perform light maintenance such as cleaning, greasing, checking fluids, and fueling.
• Act as a safety spotter for other operators.
• Anticipate operational needs to ensure productive and efficient work.
• Proactively participate in daily PTPs and ensure daily inspections are completed and reported.
• Perform manual labor as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old. High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and proficiency with CAT controls required.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic required.
• Availability to work 10-12 hours a day with frequent weekend overtime.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from job sites and the ability to travel as projects are awarded.
• Ability to manage time effectively, follow direction, and work as part of a team.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to independently lift and carry up to 50 lb. frequently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend/squat, kneel, and twist on a frequent basis. This position requires sitting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment and walk on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors 100% of the time, including in hot, cold, and wet conditions.
• This position may require some sedentary duty.
• Up to $39.36 per hour, based on experience. Overtime is paid after 40 hours per week.
• 100% paid benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance premiums and pension dues, as provided by the Local 234 Operating Engineers.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that awards shares in McAninch Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.