Trades ​/ Skilled Labor Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators at McAninch have the opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure and site development projects for residential, data center, commercial, and industrial clients. No experience is required to apply for our heavy equipment operator apprenticeship jobs in Iowa. Whether you’re an experienced operator or early in your career, our dirt work jobs in Des Moines provide hands‑on experience operating a wide range of heavy equipment while building a long‑term career at McAninch.

McAninch is known for our groundwork and site development expertise, so it’s only fitting that we believe in leveling the playing field for job seekers, too. Our heavy equipment operator job requirements focus less on prior experience and more on finding individuals willing to learn, ready to work hard, and eager to ask questions. Along with operating various equipment, individuals in this role will:

• Collaborate with foremen, safety managers, and project managers
• Perform daily inspections and equipment maintenance
• Assist in mass grading projects including housing developments, industrial buildings, factories, and highways
• Provide manual labor and spotting for other operators as needed
• Abide by safety requirements and job site regulations
• Travel to job sites throughout Iowa and eastern Nebraska on a project basis as needed

Join McAninch as an apprentice to gain real‑world job experience alongside seasoned crew members in the field. Our heavy equipment operator apprenticeship jobs offer paid‑training in conjunction with Local 234 Operating Engineers. Apprenticeships are completed after 6,000 hours on the job. Along the way, apprentices receive extensive safety training, exposure to a broad range of equipment, and mentorship from veteran employees.

In partnership with Local 234 Operating Engineers, we use the off‑season to prepare for hands‑on work in the field. For three weeks every winter, we focus exclusively on building confidence and safety skills for our heavy equipment operator apprentices. Trainings cover essential skills and best practices to safely navigate a job site, including HAZMAT, OSHA, and confined space training. We also educate apprentices on everyday job expectations, including how to read equipment load charts, understand proper rigging techniques, utilize GPS and earthwork systems on the job site, communicate as a signal person, maintain situational awareness around active equipment, follow PPE requirements, and more.

Our dirt work jobs in Des Moines allow apprentices to get experience on job sites within days of starting the apprenticeship. Hands‑on work in the field allows you to quickly get familiar with job site basics, including understanding grade stakes and hubs to safely navigate the site, as well as advanced GPS technology to improve earthmoving accuracy. You’ll also quickly be in the driver’s seat operating a wide range of equipment, including: quad tracks, dozers, excavators, scrapers, water wagons, dingos, and skid loaders.

From day one at McAninch, you join an experienced group of professionals ready to welcome you to the crew. Ride along with veteran operators to gain tips and tricks for the job before getting behind the wheel yourself. Ask questions and hear firsthand from fellow operators who have been in your shoes. Every day is a new opportunity to learn a new skill or approach while making yourself an indispensable member of the team.

As an…