Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA

A Heavy Equipment Operator in the construction industry operates large machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, which are utilized for construction projects. Their key responsibilities include maneuvering heavy equipment safely and efficiently, performing basic maintenance checks, and ensuring the machinery is in good working order. They are essential to the construction process as they clear and grade land, excavate earth, lift heavy materials, and perform other tasks that require specialized equipment. They also should have a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents on the job site.

Potential Heavy Equipment Operators should possess excellent hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, technical skills, and mechanical knowledge. They should also understand how to read blueprints and topographic maps. It's crucial for them to have certification from a recognized heavy equipment operator training school, and some states may require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Before becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Construction Laborer, Forklift Operator, or Truck Driver. These positions can provide valuable experience in the construction industry, and help individuals gain familiarity with different types of machinery.

1-10 of 10 Jobs

Forklift Operator - No Weekends

  • Grimes, IA (11 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 4 days ago
  • Grimes, IA (11 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 4 days ago

Structural Component Systems, Inc. of Fremont, NE is actively seeking full-time Forklift Operators. These logistics positions work Monday - Friday with no weekends starting at $22 depending on...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 5 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator - WEEKLY PAY - $30/Hour**** **Location: Omaha, NE** **Pay: $25 - $30/Hour (Depending on experience!)...

94Y Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator

  • Johnston, IA (9 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 days ago
  • Johnston, IA (9 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 days ago

It takes highly trained and skilled individuals to keep the Army National Guard's sophisticated weapons operating at top performance. The Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE)...

Forklift Operator - Weekly Pay

  • Adel, IA (22 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 10 days ago
  • Adel, IA (22 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 10 days ago

Forklift Operator Job Description The Forklift Operator plays a critical role in warehouse and logistics operations by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and materials. This...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 12 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 12 days ago

If you are a **Heavy Equipment Operator** and want to work alongside other proven Craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior workmanship, this is your chance to advance your career!...

Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator - Portable Sand Plant Crew

  • Urbandale, IA (1 mile from Des Moines, IA)
  • 15 days ago
  • Urbandale, IA (1 mile from Des Moines, IA)
  • 15 days ago

Hours: Monday - Friday 6am- 6pm Pay: $23.40 an hour Martin Marietta is currently looking for motivated individuals to join our portable production crews. This crew travels to different sand plants...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 19 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 19 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator BRANDENBURG INDUSTRIAL SVC CO United States, Iowa, Des Moines Jun 11, 2025 Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator System requires web browser Internet Explorer 10 or higher, Google...

Asphalt Paving Equipment Operator

  • Johnston, IA (9 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 60+ days ago
  • Johnston, IA (9 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 60+ days ago

The career field for Equipment Operator includes, but may not be limited to, the following positions: Equipment Operator (Grade and Pave Crew), Heavy Equipment Operator, Roller Operator (Self-Propelled...

Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 90+ days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 90+ days ago

materials, assembles and erects equipment including scaffolding, pours concrete, and sets braces to support the sides of excavations....

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 90+ days ago
  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 90+ days ago

Job Description: The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors...

Demographic Data for Des Moines, IA

Moving to Des Moines, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Des Moines, IA below.


Local
National
221,891
5,491
Large

Heavy Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireConstruction curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
Heavy Equipment Operator Course: Excavator & Skid Steer CertificationOur comprehensive Heavy Equipment Operator Course offers online training and expert instruction on two essential pieces of...
Construction: Heavy Equipment Awareness
Working with or around heavy equipment is unavoidable on most construction sites. That's why it's important that you have an awareness of what's happening around you at all times, so you can react...
Heavy Metal 101
This is not a metallurgy class! Learn everything you ever wanted to know about heavy metal music. Topics of this video lecture series include musicology, history, metal culture, music theory,...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireConstruction research efforts.


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Des Moines, IA offer the following education background
High School or GED
48.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
23.3%
Associate's Degree
10.7%
Bachelor's Degree
10.3%
Some College
2.9%
Master's Degree
2.1%
Some High School
1.8%
Doctorate Degree
0.4%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Heavy Equipment Operators in Des Moines, IA
2-4 years
36.6%
Less than 1 year
26.8%
1-2 years
19.9%
4-6 years
16.3%
None
0.4%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



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