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Mobile Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TrinityRail

Career Mobile Equipment Op

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

TrinityRail Maintenance Services is hiring a Career Mobile Equipment Operator (1st Shift) for our Shell Rock, IA facility! Our products are an essential part of the supply chain that fuels our lives ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Lynnville, IA

$19 - $26/hr

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Lynnville, IA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Equipment Operator

Gilman, IA · On-site

$175/hr

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Equipment Operator

Lynnville, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

This position would be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and maintenance ... and mobile equipment Observe visual and auditory signals during vehicle operation Maintain ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$24.80/hr

This position would be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and maintenance ... and mobile equipment Observe visual and auditory signals during vehicle operation Maintain ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Lynnville, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Assists Plant Operators, and Equipment Operators, with general duties as requested * Must be ... Learn to operate plant-specific mobile equipment * Perform daily pre/post-shift inspections on ...

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All JobsMobile Equipment Operator JobsMobile Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa

Mobile Equipment Operator information

See Iowa salary details

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$30

How much do mobile equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for mobile equipment operator in Iowa is $20.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mobile equipment operator?

Mobile Equipment Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating various types of machinery and vehicles, such as forklifts, bulldozers, cranes, or loaders, typically on construction sites, warehouses, or industrial settings. Their main duties include safely transporting materials, assisting in site preparation, and performing routine maintenance checks on equipment. These operators must follow safety protocols and may require certification or specialized training depending on the machinery they handle.

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

To thrive as a Mobile Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with any required operator's licenses. Familiarity with equipment such as forklifts, bulldozers, loaders, and GPS or telematics systems is often necessary. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of equipment, which is critical for productivity and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by mobile equipment operators, and how can they be addressed?

Mobile Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or hazardous terrain, and maintaining strict attention to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is crucial for coordinating movements and avoiding accidents. To address these challenges, operators should participate in ongoing safety training, perform regular equipment inspections, and collaborate closely with site managers to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

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

AspectMobile Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsMay require CDL or specific equipment certificationsOften requires OSHA or industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, transportationConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, manufacturingConstruction, mining, forestry

Both roles involve operating large machinery, but Mobile Equipment Operators typically focus on vehicles like forklifts, cranes, or trucks, while Heavy Equipment Operators handle bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related but distinct roles within the construction and industrial sectors.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in IA?

For Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Mobile Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mobile Equipment Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,195 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Career Mobile Equipment Operator

Trinity Logistics Group

Shell Rock, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

TrinityRail Maintenance Services, Inc is searching for a talented team player to fill the open roles of Mobile Equipment Operator - 1st Shift at our Shell Rock, IA facility.

As a Mobile Equipment Operator at Trinity, you'll operate mobile equipment such as lift trucks, overhead cranes, track mobiles/switch engine, and/or yard vehicles in order to move material and products between work stations and/or receiving and storage locations. You'll also ensure proper identification of parts and materials.

What you'll do:

  • Operate a lift truck with over 15,000 pound capacity

  • Operate overhead crane (stationary) and certified (move across plant)

  • Operate mobile crane (move across yard)

  • Operate or act as ground crew for track mobile and/or switch engine

  • Operate scissor lift

  • Follow all safety rules and practices

  • May be involved in safety committees or initiatives

  • Perform other duties assigned

What you'll need:

  • Minimum of 1 year of experience 
  • Certified to operate overhead crane 
  • May be certified to operate a scissor lift 
  • May be certified to operate a track mobile or switch engine

Apply