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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Marion, IA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary/Objective The heavy equipment operator operates a variety of contractor equipment and ... Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools ...

Operator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt ... Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary * Available to work ...

Operator

Bettendorf, IA

$17 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt ... Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary * Available to work ...

Operator

Bettendorf, IA

$17 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your role will be to support the project needs, such as digging trench, HDPE pipe fusion, dirt ... Clean up work areas, clean and fuel vehicles, and equipment as necessary * Available to work ...

Underground Crew Members

Algona, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

CDB is looking for experienced laborers and equipment operators to join our crews in the ... Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities ...

Underground Crew Members

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

CDB is looking for experienced laborers and equipment operators to join our crews in the ... Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities ...

Hot Pit Loader Operator

Wilton, IA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during ... digging, quenching, and maintenance activities * Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and ...

Hot Pit Loader Operator

Wilton, IA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during ... digging, quenching, and maintenance activities * Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and ...

Laborer Telecom Underground

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install underground telecommunications cabling * Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas

Laborer Telecom Underground

Camanche, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install underground telecommunications cabling * Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas

Laborer Telecom Underground

Manchester, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install underground telecommunications cabling * Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas

Laborer Telecom Underground

Marion, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install underground telecommunications cabling * Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment ... equipment requiring use of small and large tools including cutting torch and welding. * Digging ...

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Digging Equipment Operator information

What are some common challenges faced by digging equipment operators on construction sites?

Digging Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance under demanding circumstances. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure safety and project efficiency. Operators must also stay vigilant about underground utilities and adapt quickly to changes in site plans, making flexibility and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digging equipment operator?

To thrive as a Digging Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of safety protocols, and experience operating heavy machinery, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and effective communication enhance performance and safety on the job site. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and accurate excavation work, minimizing risks and project delays.

What is the difference between Digging Equipment Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDigging Equipment OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, demolition, landscaping
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, mining firms, utility contractorsConstruction firms, excavation services, landscaping companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery for digging tasks, often requiring similar certifications and working in construction or excavation environments. The term "Excavator Operator" specifically refers to operating excavators, while "Digging Equipment Operator" can encompass a broader range of machinery. However, in many cases, these titles are used interchangeably, with the primary focus on excavation work.

What is a digging equipment operator?

Digging equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, trenchers, and other equipment used for digging and earthmoving tasks. They work on construction sites, road projects, utility installations, and other infrastructure projects, ensuring that trenches, foundations, and holes are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. These operators are trained to handle complex machinery, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and equipment damage.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator

Abode Construction, Inc.

Marion, IA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

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Job description

Summary/Objective

The heavy equipment operator operates a variety of contractor equipment and trucks used in construction, maintenance and repair activities and performs a variety of semiskilled tasks in the maintenance street and storm drainage systems.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Operates trucks and equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as excavator w/ GPS, backhoe, dozer, skid-steer, forklift, man-lift, dump truck, snowplow, road grater, front-end loader, and hydraulic excavators. (Any of the equipment mentioned could be track or wheel operation)
  • Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
  • Reads and follows plans, material lists and guidelines and applies necessary timelines.
  • Fulfills all regular and advanced installation/construction duties, including project layout, and completes required paperwork in a timely manner.
  • Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, road grater or front-end loader.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
  • Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
  • Plows snow and salts roads according to departmental policy.
  • Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
  • Maintains / schedules equipment service and maintenance logs.
  • Other duties as assigned.