Machine Control Specialist Trainee

Manatt's Inc.; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatt's Inc. is seeking a Machine Control Specialist Trainee in Ankeny, Iowa. The role involves training to support various Machine Control Systems, including the setup of projects and survey tasks. Key responsibilities include learning the operation of surveying equipment, assisting in calibration, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and a strong interest in heavy machinery, alongside good communication and organizational skills. Recent graduates from relevant programs are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with GPS/Base station and total station beneficial.
• Ability to learn and operate surveying equipment.
• Willingness to learn the basics of heavy machinery.

Responsibilities

• Support setup of machine control systems.
• Perform survey tasks and troubleshoot equipment.
• Participate in mentorship and project setup.

Skills

High technical aptitude

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Customer focus

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Recent graduates of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Land Surveying

Tools

Leica Geosystems

Job description

The Machine Control Specialist Trainee works directly under Machine Control Specialist’s and will be training to support Manatt’s various Machine Control Systems. This shall include setting up projects, performing survey tasks, trouble shooting, and potentially 3D model building. Manatt’s machine control capabilities include dozers, motor graders, milling machines, trimmers, and pavers.

The requirements represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfill position expectations. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as needed to meet the organization's ongoing needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Additional or other duties may be assigned.

FAMILY

• Sets the example, communicates, and demonstrates our core values - Family, Excellence and Human Potential, as well as our purpose, vision, and mission.
• Ensures compliance with the company policies, state and federal laws, OSHA, non-discrimination requirements, etc.
• Serves as positive representative of Manatt’s ownership and leadership to promote safety and teamwork approach to getting the job done safer and better than anyone else.

EXCELLENCE

• Shadow senior specialists to learn the setup and operation of GPS/Base station, total station and other surveying equipment.
• Assist in the calibration and maintenance of the specialized sensor system.
• Develop the ability to read and interpret construction plans/blueprints.
• Learn and maintain up-to-date knowledge and operation of surveying equipment.
• Verify elevations and indicate reference points on jobsite.
• Work alongside crews to learn accurate construction layout and troubleshoot machine-to-sensor communication issues.

HUMAN POTENTIAL

• Advances learning through training and education courses to gain greater expertise to achieve job objectives more effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Open minded and willingness to adapt to the technological changes in an evolving industry.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with employees.
• Participate in structured mentorship to transition from field observation to independent project setup.
• Work toward mastery of 3D model building and independent troubleshooting of machine control system within 6 months.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Familiarity with Leica Geosystems is a plus, but not required.
• High technical aptitude and comfort with tablet-base and computer based interfaces are essential.
• General interest in heavy machinery; willingness to learn the basics of dozer, motor grader and paver operations.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage critical deadlines.
• Strong initiative and a high degree of coachability.
• Must be willing to learn new programs and work hours necessary to get the job done.
• Recent graduates of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Land Surveying programs are encouraged to apply.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small groups situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Skills in listening, problem solving, and running effective meetings with the ability to be open-minded.
• High level of verbal and written communication skills.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.

Reasoning Ability

• Able to follow written, oral, or diagram instructions; effectively solve problems in routine or complex situations.

Other Requirements

• Must have a current driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.