Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary : $43,243.20 - $55,972.80 Annually
Location : Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00231
Agency: 582 Iowa Department of Public Defense
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io


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 AM - 3:30 PM 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 Employer. An individual shall not be denied equal access to state employment opportunities because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical or mental disability. The State of Iowa is an E-Verify employer. 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

Minimum Qualification Requirements


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

Additional Qualification Requirements


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.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


How many years do you have 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 constructionequipment exceeding four tons?

• Less than two years of the work identified
• Two years or more of the work identified

04


Have you successfully completed a formal two-year apprenticeship as an Operating Engineer (HeavyEquipment)?

• Yes
• No

05


How many months do you have of a combination of completion of a specialized training in operating heavy construction equipment at a recognized training or trade school AND/OR full-time employment involving the operation of two or more of the followingtypes of equipment: heavy bulldozers, power shovels, draglines, heavy motor patrol graders, steamrollers, overhead cranes, payloaders, heavy diesel tractors and related heavy constructionequipment exceeding four tons? The completed specialized training can substitute on a month-for-month basis for the experience requirement to a maximum of twelve months. Applicants must have a MINIMUM of 12 months of experience.

• I don't have any of the required training and/or experience
• Less than 24 months of the combined required training and/or experience
• 24 months or more of the combined education and/or experience

06


SPECIAL REQUIREMENT - Do you have a Class B CDL with Air Brake and tanker endorsement?

• Yes, I have a Class B CDL with Air Brake and tanker endorsement
• No, I do not have a a Class B CDL with Air Brake and tanker endorsement

Required Question