Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

A Heavy Equipment Operator in the landscaping industry operates large machinery used in the construction and maintenance of landscapes. Their duties may include grading terrain, hauling materials, digging holes for planting, and other tasks where heavy machinery is needed. The operator is responsible for the safe and efficient use of equipment, typically including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. They also perform routine inspections and maintenance on the machinery, ensuring it is in good working condition.

Important skills for a Heavy Equipment Operator include mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions. A high school diploma is usually required, along with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a certification in heavy equipment operations. This certification can be obtained through trade schools or community colleges. Before becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Laborer or a Landscape Worker, which provide relevant experiences like operating smaller machinery, understanding of landscape designs and plans, and familiarity with the industry's safety requirements.

1-15 of 64 Jobs

Forklift Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 16 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 16 hours ago

Forklift Operator Colony Brands Inc. United States, Iowa, Peosta Jun 11, 2025 Forklift Operator Peosta Iowa Job Description Colony Brands, Inc. participates in the Department of Homeland Security...

Forklift Operator

  • Adel, IA
  • 17 hours ago
  • Adel, IA
  • 17 hours ago

Forklift Operator Job Description We are seeking an experienced Forklift Operator to join our team in a dynamic brick manufacturing environment. As a Forklift Operator, you will play a crucial...

Forklift Operator - 1st shift

  • Polk City, IA
  • 20 hours ago
  • Polk City, IA
  • 20 hours ago

Why Work for Saddle Creek? Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a...

Forklift Operator - 3rd Shift

  • Polk City, IA
  • 20 hours ago
  • Polk City, IA
  • 20 hours ago

Why Work for Saddle Creek? Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a...

Forklift Operator 2nd Shift

  • Britt, IA
  • 1 day ago
  • Britt, IA
  • 1 day ago

Business Unit Overview Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Sioux City, IA
  • 2 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...

Part-Time Dock Worker / Forklift Operator

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Sioux City, IA
  • 2 days ago

Overview HIRING Part-Time Dock Workers at $22.85/hr.! Stable and growing organization Pay beginning at $22.85 per hour Quick advancement Professional, positive and people-centered work environment...

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Minimum qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age Able to do basic math calculations, with and without a calculator Available to work a...

Forklift Operator And Warehouse Worker

  • Iowa City, IA
  • 2 days ago
  • Iowa City, IA
  • 2 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...

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

  • Pacific Junction, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Pacific Junction, IA
  • 3 days ago

Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below are details on an open...

Rework Forklift Operator

  • West Branch, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • West Branch, IA
  • 3 days ago

Immediate openings in West Branch for packaging associates. Successful candidates will make $16.50/hour or more in a team-oriented environment while working to re-package damaged or defective...

Forklift Operator

  • Hamburg, IA
  • 4 days ago
  • Hamburg, IA
  • 4 days ago

Shift: 6:00 AM-4:00 PMHourly Rate: $20.53 an hour As a forklift operator for our bulk operations you will report directly to the shipping/receiving manager. You will drive the forklift to move...

1st shift Warehouse Forklift Operator

  • Fort Dodge, IA
  • 4 days ago
  • Fort Dodge, IA
  • 4 days ago

Description We want to hire people who care about what they do. At C&S, a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet, we are proud to produce the highest quality wildlife specialty food and feeding...

Forklift Operator

  • Ottumwa, IA
  • 6 days ago
  • Ottumwa, IA
  • 6 days ago

Job Overview: Forklift Operator- Ottumwa IA Looking for a fresh start? A company help grow your skillset and advance your career? Apply Today! We are happy to speak with you about your experience...

Crane Operator - 4162

  • Mason City, IA
  • 6 days ago
  • Mason City, IA
  • 6 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...

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

iHireLandscaping 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...

Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

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

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Heavy Equipment Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Iowa offer the following education background
High School or GED
36.6%
Bachelor's Degree
24.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
16.4%
Associate's Degree
13.3%
Some High School
3.4%
Some College
2.9%
Master's Degree
2.6%
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