Entry Level Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This entry-level machine operator role focuses on learning all aspects of a pipe fabrication operation, with an emphasis on cutting, threading, and flanging ductile iron pipe for water treatment plants and related projects. You will primarily operate a large lathe machine to process large pipes used in underground water infrastructure for major customers and new builds. The position is ideal for a mechanically inclined individual who wants to develop hands-on skills with specialized equipment in a small, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a large lathe machine to perform cutting, threading, and flanging on ductile iron pipe used in water treatment and related projects.
• Follow established procedures to run machine cycles, including button-operated controls, to ensure accurate and consistent pipe fabrication.
• Assist with general labor tasks in the pipe fabrication shop, including material handling and basic preparation of pipes and fittings.
• Use hand and power tools to support fabrication activities and complete assigned tasks safely and efficiently.
• Read and follow basic blueprints or schematics, when required, to ensure pipes and fittings meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Support the production of fabricated pipe and fittings that integrate with PVC, polyethylene, ductile iron pipe, fire hydrants, valves, and water meters.
• Learn and apply proper setup, adjustment, and basic maintenance practices for the lathe and other shop equipment under supervision.
• Handle and move heavy materials, including lifting up to 75 pounds on a daily basis, while following safe lifting techniques.
• Learn to operate an overhead crane and forklift to move large pipes and materials safely within the shop.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, recognizing that the environment includes various machines and piping.
• Follow all safety policies, including the use of required personal protective equipment and adherence to shop safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with a small team of coworkers to meet production goals and support timely delivery of fabricated products.
• Develop familiarity with field service-related products and components, such as taps, line stops, and valve insertions, to better understand end-use applications.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and a strong interest in working with lathes and other fabrication equipment.
• Ability and willingness to learn operation of a large lathe machine and other shop machinery through on-the-job training.
• Capability to perform heavy lifting up to 75 pounds on a daily basis.
• Comfort working in a hands-on, industrial shop environment with multiple machines and piping.
• Basic experience or familiarity with hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to learn overhead crane operation for moving large pipes and materials.
• Ability to learn forklift operation to safely handle and transport materials within the shop.
• Reliability and motivation to work a consistent 1st shift schedule with occasional overtime.
• Attention to safety procedures and willingness to wear required protective equipment, including steel-toe footwear.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience running a manual lathe is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of the water or wastewater industry is a plus.
• Any plumbing Exposure to reading blueprints or schematics is a nice-to-have.
• Familiarity with tolerances and precision measurements is a plus.

Work Environment

You will work in a small fabrication shop with approximately 6–8 employees on-site and a broader network of around 42–52 employees across the Midwest. The environment includes multiple machines, piping, and fabrication equipment, and it can be dirty at times due to the nature of pipe cutting, threading, and flanging. The position operates on a 1st shift schedule, with typical weekly overtime of about 5–10 hours. You will work around large pipes and heavy materials, using equipment such as a large lathe, overhead crane, and forklift once trained. Steel-toe footwear is required, and you must wear jeans or long pants at all times as part of the shop dress code. The setting emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on learning with specialized pipe fabrication equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Bettendorf,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.