Equipment Operator

Description:

Position Title

Equipment Operator

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications
 

• Two years of related equipment operating experience.
• Possession of a valid Chauffeur’s or Commercial Driver’s License as required.
   

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating a backhoe in situations with a large number of utilities

Experience implementing safe excavation practices

Experience performing road maintenance

Experience operating a road grader

Experience operating a boom truck

Experience doing concrete work

Experience removing snow with large equipment

Class A driver’s license with air brakes

Job Description

Are you passionate about working outdoors and skilled in operating heavy machinery?

Join our team as an Equipment Operator, where you’ll be at the forefront of keeping our campus beautiful and functional year-round. From snow removal to landscaping and road maintenance, your expertise will ensure that our university grounds remain in top condition. You’ll handle a variety of tasks, from clearing trees and buildings to constructing roads and laying water lines. If you’re ready to take on challenges, maintain essential equipment, and make a tangible impact on our campus, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Key Duties And Responsibilities
 

• Operate heavy equipment for grounds maintenance, including tractors, loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Perform snow and ice removal during winter months to ensure safe campus access.
• Conduct landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, planting, and mulching.
• Assist in the construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Clear debris, fallen trees, and other obstructions from campus grounds.
• Install and repair underground utilities including water lines and drainage systems.
• Conduct routine inspections and minor repairs on assigned equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used.
• Support special event setups and assist with emergency response as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment.
   

Requirements
 

• Must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class B with air brake and complete motor vehicle inspector certification at time of hire.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
   

About The Department

Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is an organization that is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of Iowa State University, one of the nation’s leading educational and agricultural institutes. But more importantly, FP&M is dedicated to their employees and enhancing the lives of each team member through opportunities both professionally and personally. FP&M is one of the largest departments on campus and currently employs over 450 full-time employees and students combined.

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities
 

• Operates machinery to remove snow and perform landscaping, fine and rough grading and related maintenance of roads, parking lots, and other campus grounds.
• Operates dozers, draglines, backhoes, endloaders, graders, trucks and other equipment to fill ditches, remove trees and buildings, build roads, lay tile and water lines, and load and unload heavy material.
• Maintains and repairs equipment.
• Assists in directing the work of apprentices.
• Responds to calls for emergency service including snow removal as required.
   

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
 

• Ability to work outside during inclement weather and to be on call during emergency situations.
• Skill in the operation of equipment such as dozers, draglines, endloaders, graders, and trucks and knowledge sufficient to maintain and repair such equipment.
• Ability to operate trucks and equipment in a safe and conscientious manner.
• Ability to interpret oral and written instruction.
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the work of others.