Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

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.

1-15 of 57 Jobs

Forklift Operator

  • Davenport, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Davenport, IA
  • 2 days ago

Forklift Operator - 2nd & 3rd shift $17-$18/HR Job Description We're hiring experienced forklift operators to support our warehouse operations during evening and overnight shifts. This role...

Packaging Technicians & Equipment Operators

  • Muscatine, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Muscatine, IA
  • 2 days ago

HIRING PACKAGING TECHNICIANS & EQUIPTMENT OPERATORS - MULTIPLE POSITIONS OPEN Pay: $18-21.84/hr 1st Shift & 3rd Shift Available - OVERTIME OFFERED CAN START ASAP Job Description LOTS OF...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 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...

Equipment Operator - Shipping (Days)

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Sioux City, IA
  • 3 days ago

At Sabre Industries, we connect and power Americas communities with world-class utility and telecom solutions. We reliably build a better world together; one customer, one team, and one community...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Sioux City, IA
  • 5 days ago

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an...

Housekeeping Assistant-Equipment Operator (PRN)

  • Anamosa, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Anamosa, IA
  • 5 days ago

Overview The Environmental Services Assistant reports to the environmental services manager. This position works with other environmental services assistants as part of the environmental services...

Directional Drill Operator - Michels Utility Service, Inc.

  • Centerville, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Centerville, IA
  • 5 days ago

Directional Drill Operator - Michels Utility Service, Inc. Michels Corporation Location Centerville Posted date 2 days ago Minimum level N/A Employment type Full-time Job category Production afely...

Forklift Operator And Warehouse Worker

  • Iowa City, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Iowa City, IA
  • 5 days ago

Hiring Forklift Operators in Iowa City Openings on 1st Shift & 3rd Shift Starting Pay $17-19.50 (based on experience & interview) Overtime Available Every Week Get Paid Every Week! Job...

Equipment Operator- Machine Bays- Weekend (Nights)

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Sioux City, IA
  • 5 days ago

At Sabre Industries, we connect and power Americas communities with world-class utility and telecom solutions. We reliably build a better world together; one customer, one team, and one community...

Heavy Equipment Operator - Night Shift

  • Ames, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 5 days ago

Martin Marietta is currently looking for energized individuals to join our team at an underground limestone mine on the North side of Ames. This position would be responsible for operating a...

Equipment Operator I

  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 6 days ago
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 6 days ago

Terracon is seeking quality individuals to assist with solar test pile installation on utility scale solar projects throughout the greater Midwest. This position requires an independent equipment...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Winterset, IA
  • 6 days ago
  • Winterset, IA
  • 6 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...

Crane Operator - 4162

  • Mason City, IA
  • 9 days ago
  • Mason City, IA
  • 9 days ago

PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the...

Forklift Operator

  • Waterloo, IA
  • 10 days ago
  • Waterloo, IA
  • 10 days ago

Forklift Operator Waterloo, IA 50703 Posted: 06/13/2025 Job Number: 763061 Pay Rate: 18.00 Industry: Construction JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Bilingual Warehouse Associate Wage: $18/hour...

Forklift Operator

  • IA
  • 10 days ago
  • IA
  • 10 days ago

Forklift Operator Location(s) DeWitt, Iowa Company Guardian Glass Career Field Operations & Manufacturing Job Number 172514 Your Job Our Guardian Glass facility in DeWitt, IA is seeking their next...

Demographic Data for Iowa

Moving to Iowa? Find some basic demographic data about Iowa below.


Local
National
3,191,035
82,356

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...
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,...
Load Securement for Heavy Equipment (US) Course
The North American Cargo Securement Standard forms the basis for the cargo securement and distribution regulations in the United States and Canada. The regulations are designed to ensure cargo...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

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


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Iowa 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
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Heavy Equipment Operators in Iowa
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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