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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

Signal Energy

Heavy Equipment Operator

Coggon, IA · On-site

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, procedure manuals, and load charts * Able to lift 50+ pound equipment, maneuvering them into their ...

Anderson Drainage and Excavation, LLC

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Equipment Operator

Humboldt, IA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

The Equipment Operator plays a crucial role in managing and operating heavy machinery across ... * Entry-level experience in equipment operation * High school diploma or equivalent * Knowledge of ...

JTH WIND LLC

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Heavy Equipment Operator Working Foreman

Forest City, IA · On-site

$28 - $42/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator - Working Foreman focused on cable installation, you'll lead crews in trenching, conduit placement, and backfilling for large-scale wind and solar projects. You'll ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do entry level heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Iowa is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level heavy equipment operator?

An Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator is a worker who operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other large construction equipment under supervision. They are responsible for assisting with site preparation, moving earth or materials, and following safety protocols on construction or industrial sites. Typically, entry-level operators are new to the field and may have completed vocational training or an apprenticeship, but have limited hands-on experience. They learn on the job and gradually take on more complex tasks as they gain skills.

What does an entry level heavy equipment operator do?

The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with machinery like excavators, loaders, and safety systems, as well as certifications such as OSHA or NCCER, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a safety-first mindset are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and the prevention of workplace accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level heavy equipment operators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level heavy equipment operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse machinery, maintaining safety standards, and working in varying weather conditions. Adjusting to the physical demands and learning to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors are also common hurdles. To overcome these challenges, new operators should seek hands-on training, ask for feedback from experienced coworkers, and consistently review safety protocols. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning can help ease the transition and foster career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Technician?

AspectEntry Level Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, job sites
Job FocusOperating machinery like excavators and bulldozersDiagnosing and repairing heavy equipment

While both roles involve heavy machinery, an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator primarily operates construction equipment on job sites, requiring safety training and basic certifications. In contrast, a Heavy Equipment Technician focuses on maintaining and repairing this machinery, often working in repair shops or maintenance facilities. The roles differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environments, but both are essential in the heavy equipment industry.

How to get an entry level heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level heavy equipment operators can start by obtaining a basic commercial driver's license (CDL) and completing a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level construction roles can also improve job prospects, along with demonstrating safety awareness and physical fitness. Certifications in equipment operation and a willingness to learn are valuable for entry-level candidates.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,334 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Signal Energy

Coggon, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

CoVolt Power is a leading utility-scale EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) company specializing in the design and delivery of solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and high voltage infrastructure. Since its founding in 2005, the company has built a reputation for de-risking project delivery and providing creative, integrated solutions that span the power and digital infrastructure sectors.
Consistently ranked as a top-tier EPC, CoVolt Power leverages a mission-driven approach to safety and quality, delivering thousands of megawatts in renewable assets that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future for developers, utilities, independent power producers (IPPs), and data center operators across North America.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a team of Operators to join our team to support the Mechanical Scope of our projects. The ideal candidate is a positive force on the jobsite, open to feedback, and hungry to learn. This is a field-based, hands-on position in which successful candidates contribute to the construction of a solar field. This position supports the mechanical scope and is located at our project site in Krum, Texas.
Activities/Responsibilities/Duties:
Can independently perform the following:
  • Blade
  • Dozer
  • Loader
  • Scraper
  • Forklift/Telehandler
  • Bobcat/Skidsteer
  • Roller
  • Backhoe
  • Excavator
  • Tractor

Skills/Abilities:
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations
  • Knowledge of equipment listed above, their appropriate uses, and ability to detect machine malfunction
  • Perform routine maintenance to include lubricating, fueling and cleaning
  • Understand and apply basic mathematical skills (adding, subtracting, division, & multiplication)
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, procedure manuals, and load charts
  • Able to lift 50+ pound equipment, maneuvering them into their proper places
  • Able to conduct repetitive actions, such as stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, and reaching
  • Able to stand or walk for extended periods of time
  • Able to follow precise instruction and receive feedback
  • Experience working on construction projects preferred
  • Strong teamwork skills and ability to work well with others, including colleagues and supervisors
  • Models behavior in safety, quality of work, attendance and punctuality, productivity, teamwork
  • Actively embodies Signal's Core Principles and the One Team Approach: including planning, communication, and collaboration
  • Provides timely documentation of field decisions and reporting, such as Tier Boards and Production Tracking.
  • This position requires working outdoors in various, often extreme weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.
  • Candidates must be able to work in all weather conditions, as safety permits.
  • This position may also include exposure to loud noises, dust, debris, and other construction-related hazards

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • GED or equivalent education
  • Minimum 1 year experience
  • Equipment certifications as required
  • Current driver's license of proper class and necessary endorsements as required by law
  • Essential Physical Requirements

Important Interview Policy: To ensure a focused conversation and protect the privacy of both our candidates and team members, the use of AI note-takers, recording devices, or real-time transcription software is strictly prohibited during this interview. If an unauthorized bot joins the meeting, our team will ask for it to be removed before beginning the interview. Thank you for your cooperation!
CoVolt Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E-Verify.
*CoVolt Power does not charge any applicant for their participation in the recruitment and employment process, at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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