Heavy Equipment Operator - Outdoor Grounds & Fire Support

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, dental, vision

IPERS retirement

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Public Defense is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Camp Dodge operations. The role requires operating multiple heavy construction machines and performing earthwork, with safety and utility-location responsibilities.

Position includes CDL Class B with air brakes, eligibility to obtain military/government vehicle licenses, CPR within six months, and wildland firefighting certifications within a year, along with seasonal and maintenance duties.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time work operating two or more heavy construction equipment types.
• Completion of a two-year Operating Engineer apprenticeship or formal training may substitute experience.
• Candidates must possess a Commercial Driver’s License Class B and Air Brakes endorsement at hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs excavating, landscaping, grading and other preparatory earthwork.
• Perform finish grading, landscaping, and other final earthwork.
• Locate buried utilities with marked flags to ensure safe excavation.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Seasonal duties supporting cantonment and training areas.
• Snow removal on streets, parking, sidewalks, and roads.
• Apply de-icer treatments to icy surfaces to ensure safety.
• Mow grass and trim trees using tractors and mowers.
• Trim and remove trees and shrubs as needed.
• Support a military training facility with various tasks.
• Serve on a hand crew, UTV/ATV operator, or engine crew performing prescribed fire fuels management duties.

Skills

CDL Class B with air brakes

CPR certification

Wildland firefighting certs

License eligibility for military/gover

Education

Two-year heavy equipment apprenticeship

Formal trade school on heavy equipment

Tools

Heavy bulldozers

Power shovels

Draglines

G graders

Steamrollers

Overhead cranes

Payloaders

Heavy diesel tractors

Job description

The Iowa Department of Public Defense is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Camp Dodge operations. The role requires operating multiple heavy construction machines and performing earthwork, with safety and utility-location responsibilities.

Position includes CDL Class B with air brakes, eligibility to obtain military/government vehicle licenses, CPR within six months, and wildland firefighting certifications within a year, along with seasonal and maintenance duties.