Student Intern - Heavy Equipment Operator

Mcaninch Corp.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 20,664; Part time

Job summary

A construction company in Des Moines is seeking a Student Intern for the summer and fall semester. This role offers hands-on experience in operating heavy equipment and learning about safety protocols in a real work environment. The ideal candidate is a high school student, 17 years or older, with a strong work ethic and a desire to enter the construction trade. Interns will work with experienced operators, and the position pays $15 per hour without benefits. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate school commitments.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years old by May 15, 2026.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate various grading machinery.
• Assist in safety procedures and light maintenance tasks.
• Perform manual labor including lifting up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Desire to enter a construction trade

Strong work ethic

Dependability

Ability to follow instructions

Commitment to safety

Education

Current high school student pursuing diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy equipment

Hand tools (shovels, oil guns)

Job description

McAninch Corporation

Student Intern - Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA 50309

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:

Looking for an exciting opportunity in the construction industry while still in high school? McAninch Corporation is looking for a Student Intern for the summer and fall semester (May-Dec 2026). Our intern will work with a team of 3-8 Heavy Equipment Operators and learn how to operator various types of grading machinery, including rollers and quadtrac tractors. Interns will be trained on safety procedures for each piece of equipment and light maintenance, such as fueling, lubrication, and checking fluids during daily inspections.

During the summer, this position typically works 6:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. All hours are weather-dependent. Weekend hours may be required to meet production deadlines or if work is not available during the week due to poor weather.

For the fall semester, the intern will coordinate their schedule with their school advisor and the Human Resources Manager.

We will begin intern interviews in April. Students are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselor about school-to-work requirements prior to applying.

Job Requirements:

• Has a desire to enter a construction trade after high school.
• Has a strong work ethic and ability to follow instructions.
• Is dependable and punctual.
• Follows all safety protocols.
• Operates heavy equipment as assigned.
• Uses hand tools, such as shovels and oil guns, to complete assigned tasks.
• Performs manual labor, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications:

• Current high school student pursuing their diploma or GED.
• Must be 17 years old on or before May 15, 2026.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from job sites 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.

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.

Compensation:

Student Interns are paid an hourly wage of $15 per hour. This temporary position is not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.