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Mine Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta Materials

Equipment Operator

Lynnville, IA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Martin Marietta is currently looking for a motivated individual to join our rock solid team at our Sully Mine. This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Clinton, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Des Moines, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Sioux City, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Waterloo, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Iowa City, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Davenport, IA · On-site

As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators ... Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters ...

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All JobsMine Operator JobsMine Operator Jobs in Iowa

Mine Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$30

$52

How much do mine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for mine operator in Iowa is $30.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.59 and $38.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mining operator?

A mining operator is a worker responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in extracting minerals, metals, or other geological materials from the earth. They typically work with heavy machinery such as drills, excavators, and conveyors, often following safety protocols and requiring technical skills and certifications. The role involves monitoring operations, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring efficient and safe extraction processes.

What is the difference between Mine Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectMine OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment-specific trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentMining sites, underground or surfaceConstruction sites, mining, industrial facilities
Industry UsageMining industry primarilyConstruction, mining, agriculture, industrial

Both Mine Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators require similar certifications and work in related environments. However, Mine Operators focus specifically on operating machinery within mining operations, often overseeing the process, while Heavy Equipment Operators work across various industries handling different types of heavy machinery. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the mining and construction sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mine Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, equipment handling, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, mine-specific software, and certifications such as MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and productive mining operations while minimizing risks and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

In the mining industry, heavy equipment operators such as continuous miner operators and dragline operators tend to earn the highest wages, often exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and certifications. Specialized skills with large machinery and safety training can also contribute to higher pay levels for mine operators.

What does an operator do at a mine?

A mine operator is responsible for operating and maintaining mining equipment, such as drills, loaders, and conveyors, to extract minerals or resources safely and efficiently. They monitor equipment performance, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications or training specific to mining operations. Their work environment is typically noisy and requires adherence to safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Mine Operators on a daily basis?

Mine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in physically demanding environments, adhering to strict safety protocols, and adapting to varying weather or underground conditions. They must stay vigilant to identify and report potential hazards, and they frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance teams, and safety officers to ensure smooth operations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, as unexpected equipment issues or changes in production schedules can require quick adjustments.

What is the highest paying job in mining?

In mining, the highest paying roles are often mine managers, senior engineers, and specialized technical experts such as geologists or metallurgists. These positions typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications, and they oversee operations, safety, and technical processes in large mining projects.

What are mine operators?

Mine operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a mine, ensuring that minerals or other geological materials are extracted safely and efficiently. They monitor mining equipment, enforce safety protocols, and coordinate with engineers and other workers to maintain production targets. Mine operators may also be involved in planning, reporting, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their role is crucial to the smooth and safe functioning of mining sites.
What are popular job titles related to Mine Operator jobs in Iowa? For Mine Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mine Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mine Operator jobs in Iowa are:
Mine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mine Operator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,731 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Martin Marietta Materials

Lynnville, IA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Martin Mariettais currently looking for a motivated individual to join our rock solid team at our Sully Mine. This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance, production and equipment operation.
Essential Functions
  • Assist in plant operations including production, quality control, loading, and shipping
  • Shovel work, sweeping, lifting, cleaning, and acting as a spotter
  • Uses a variety of tools and clean-up equipment to support production operations such as removal of material on and from beneath the plant
  • Assists Plant Operators, and Equipment Operators, with general duties as requested
  • Must be willing to cross-train in all plant areas
  • Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment
  • Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on equipment and maintain maintenance log
  • Maintain good housekeeping in areas of responsibility
  • Other duties as assigned
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position that may require long hours and weekend work.
Work Environment
This role will be based out of our Sully Mine located in Lynnville, IA.
Required Education and Experience
  • High School degree
  • 1+ year related experience
  • Valid driver's license
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Heavy Equipment Operations
  • Welding/Maintenance experience
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
This is a safety-sensitive role and Martin Marietta will continue to require drug testing that does include testing for cannabis/THC.
Employment Type: Full-Time

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

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