Equipment Operator

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 (CDL), as required.
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.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated proficiency in skid loader attachments with the ability to safely perform a variety of operational tasks.
Experience with final grading
Experience with concrete work, hardscaping or laying pavers
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.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:5101a
Original Posting Date:September 28, 2026
Posting Close Date:October 11, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19971
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.