Heavy Equipment Operator - Utility Division

Mcaninch Corp.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health/dental/vision insurance

Pension dues

Job summary

McAninch Corporation is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate excavators (CAT 345, 349, or 352) on underground utility projects. You will support utility crews with excavation, material handling, and site preparation while maintaining high safety, productivity, and equipment care standards.

Applicants must travel across Iowa and Eastern Nebraska; shifts start at 6:30am, with 50–60 hours weekly and potential Saturday overtime.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old; HS diploma or GED preferred.
• 3+ years of experience operating large excavators with CAT controls.
• Willing to travel across IA and NE; 10–12 hour days with weekend overtime.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate excavators and other heavy equipment.
• Perform light maintenance (cleaning, greasing, fluids, fueling).
• Assist crew with material installation prep.
• Use hand and power tools; perform manual labor as assigned.
• Anticipate operational needs for productivity.
• Participate in daily pre-task plans and inspections.
• Maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CAT controls proficiency

Teamwork

Punctuality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAT excavators (345/349/352)

Job description

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 excavators (CAT 345, 349, or 352) on underground utility projects. This role supports utility crews with excavation, installation, material handling, and site preparation while maintaining high standards for safety, productivity, and equipment care. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with heavy equipment on utility 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 Friday and can expect 50-60 hours per week. Saturday overtime may be required as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow all company, OSHA, and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate heavy equipment including excavators, track loaders, compactor excavators, skid loaders, and rollers.
• Perform light maintenance such as cleaning, greasing, checking fluids, and fueling.
• Assist Utility Laborers and Pipelayers prepare materials for installation.
• Operate hand and power tools and perform manual labor, including shoveling, as assigned.
• Anticipate operational needs to ensure productive and efficient work.
• Proactively participate in daily PTPs and ensure daily inspections are completed and reported.
• 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.
• 3 years experience operating large excavators 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.