Parks Construction Operator I

City of Cedar Rapids, IA; West Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a Parks Construction Operator I to build, maintain, and improve the parks, recreation and golf facilities of our community. You will operate a range of light and heavy equipment, lead seasonal staff, and assist with building and repair tasks to support our parks program.

Required duties include equipment operation, maintenance of machinery, and collaborative work with diverse crews.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required and experience in equipment operation.
• 1–3 years of heavy equipment operation or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate light and heavy equipment for landscaping, grading, field and road projects, and related park facilities.
• Operate trucks and trailers to move equipment, materials, and debris.
• Inspect and service equipment; perform routine maintenance and document repairs.
• Perform concrete, masonry, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing tasks as needed.
• Install playground equipment and maintain park facilities.
• Lead seasonal staff and coordinate park crew on projects.
• Perform mowing, trimming, tree work, welding, painting, and minor fabrications as required.
• Maintain safety practices and comply with city policies.

Skills

Effective communication

Diversity collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Experience with heavy equipment (1–3 years)

Tools

Class A CDL with tanker and air brake endorsements

Valid US Driver’s License

Job description

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a skilled and dependable Parks Construction Operator I to help build, maintain, and improve the parks, recreation, and golf facilities that make our community a great place to live.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

About this Opportunity

Operates light and heavy equipment, power and hand tools, and provides technical assistance for City parks, recreation and golf in all facets of construction and construction maintenance.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates light and heavy equipment in landscaping, grading, playing field, road and trail construction, tree removal, installation of underground pipe and utilities, demolition, and a variety of other projects related to parks, recreation and golf area development;
• Operates the following (but not limited to) equipment to complete the above tasks: front end loader, motor patrol (grader), scraper, track loader, rubber tired backhoe, skid loaders (tracked and tire) with various attachments, tractors of various sizes with various type of 3pt mounted and trailing equipment including mowers;
• Operates various types of trucks from single axle 1-ton trucks to tandem dump trucks with associated trailers for equipment and materials;
• Inspects and services all construction equipment and tools, performs all daily operational maintenance and fills out and submits reports for needed repairs in a timely manner;
• Performs concrete construction and maintenance work in relation to various types of flat work and footings;
• Performs masonry, carpentry, basic electrical and basic plumbing work in construction and maintenance of various indoor and outdoor buildings and facilities;
• Installs playground equipment;
• Drives truck to haul equipment, supplies and debris;
• Leads and organizes seasonal staff and additional park staff as needed to complete assigned projects;
• Performs various mowing, grass trimming tree trimming and chain saw work as required;
• Performs various types of welding and metal fabrication using ox-acetylene, stick and mig welding as well as plasma cutting and other various metal fabrication tools;
• Paints buildings and equipment;
• Performs maintenance activities at the Ellis Boat Harbor, including operating maintenance boat with a 25hp outboard motor, installing and repairing boat ramps, slips, docks, sheet piling, walks, roads, signs and navigational buoys;
• Wears and properly utilizes all safety equipment including personal protective;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma and
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in operation of heavy equipment, including skilled maintenance and repair work or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• Class A with tanker and air brake endorsements within one year of hire

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Hourly Rate

The Parks Construction Operator I is covered under the AFSCME Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $27.03, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 include:

• New Hire: $27.03
• 1 year: $29.86
• 2 years: $31.62
• 3 years: $33.44