Recently Reactivated

Posted: November 25, 2025 (52 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: December 5, 2025 (42 days ago)

Reactivated: January 16, 2026

This job reappeared after being removed. Worth checking if still available.

Heavy Equipment Operator

State of Iowa

582 Iowa Department of Public Defense

Reactivated

Location

Salary

$20.39 - $26.38

per hour

Closes

January 26, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves operating heavy machinery to handle earthwork, landscaping, snow removal, and maintenance tasks at a military training facility in Iowa, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.

You'll support the Iowa National Guard by keeping the grounds safe and operational, including seasonal duties like mowing and fire management.

It's ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on outdoor work, has experience with equipment, and is reliable in a team setting.

Key Requirements

  • Iowa Class B driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsement
  • Ability to obtain military/government vehicle operator's license within 30 days
  • Certification in CPR within six months of employment
  • Completion of wildland firefighting certifications within one year
  • Experience operating heavy equipment for excavating, grading, and landscaping
  • Ability to perform physical outdoor work in all weather conditions
  • Willingness to work varied hours, including some weekends

Full Job Description

What We Are Seeking:

Do you love working outdoors and in all kinds of weather? The Iowa Department of Public Defense has the perfect job for you as we are hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator position to assist the State at Camp Dodge!


An Iowa Class B driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsement is required, in addition to the ability to obtain a military / government vehicle operator's license within 30 days of employment.

Within six months of employment, employee must attain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Within one year of employment, must attend and complete required wildland firefighting certifications.


Who We Are:

Our Agency directly supports the Iowa National Guard sustainment, readiness and modernization, providing support so they are able to fulfill their missions in Iowa’s communities or their work for the State during emergencies or times of need.

We are made strong by a highly qualified, diverse and talented staff. Working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense will provide you the opportunity for a robust career!


What You’ll Do:

  • Performs excavating, landscaping, grading and other preparatory earthwork
  • Perform finish grading, landscaping, and other final earthwork.
  • Confirm with maps, tradesmen, and supervisors the location of buried utilities marked by utility locator flags to ensure safe excavation areas.
  • Perform routine maintenance functions on equipment.
  • Perform seasonal duties that support the operations and appearance of the cantonment and training areas.
  • Perform snow removal task from streets, parking lots, sidewalks, training area roads, building entries, stairways, and other areas as needed.
  • Apply treatment to road surfaces, sidewalks and parking lot areas that are prone to be icy after snow fall to ensure safety.
  • Perform mowing duties by operating various tractors and mowers to cut grass, weeds, and small trees in the cantonment area and in the field training area.
  • Perform various tree and shrub trimming and tree removal duties.
  • Perform variety of tasks involved in maintaining and supporting a military training facility.
  • Serve on a hand crew, UTV/ATV operator, or engine crew performing prescribed fire fuels management duties as assigned.


Work hours:

7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Monday – Friday, hours may vary with work assignments/and some weekend assignments to provide additional base support.


Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
  • Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
  • Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
  • Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
  • Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.


Why Choose Us?

Choose us for our strong team culture, positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. A complete package combining benefits, career and personal development is available here for you.


Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets us apart and come be a part of our team!


E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

The equivalent of two years of full-time employment involving the operation of two or more of the following types of equipment: heavy bulldozers, power shovels, draglines, heavy motor patrol graders, steamrollers, overhead cranes, payloaders, heavy diesel tractors and related heavy construction equipment exceeding four tons;
OR

satisfactory completion of a formal two-year apprenticeship as an Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment);
OR

substitution of satisfactory completion of specialized training in operating heavy construction equipment at a recognized training or trade school on a month-for-month basis for the experience requirement to a maximum of twelve months;
OR

for designated positions, experience operating specific kinds of heavy construction equipment may be required and applicants will only be certified to the appointing authority who have demonstrated that they have the required specialized experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Information

All positions in this job class require applicants to possess a Commercial Driver's License Class B and an Air Brakes Unrestricted Endorsement at the time of hire.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 11/25/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-iowa-5153958