Heavy Equipment Operator​/Yard Lead

Job Title:

Heavy Equipment Operator / Yard Lead Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator / Yard Lead is responsible for the safe and secure loading and unloading of trailers with heavy equipment and materials such as pipes, augers, bore machines, and more. This role ensures the proper handling and transport of oversized and overweight loads by calculating the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and obtaining the necessary permits. As a Yard Lead, you will organize and inventory vehicles, equipment, and materials in the pipeyard, while driving commercial semi-trucks/trailers in compliance with DOT regulations.

• Load and unload trailers with heavy equipment and materials securely to prevent damage or loss.
• Measure, weigh, and calculate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for oversized/overweight loads to obtain necessary permits.
• Secure, inventory, and organize vehicles, equipment, and materials in the pipeyard.
• Drive commercial semi-trucks/trailers following all DOT regulations, inspections, load securement, and traffic laws to ensure timely deliveries.
• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, skid steers, bucket loaders, and forklifts.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Interact and communicate effectively with customers and employees.
• Ensure the general upkeep of the pipeyard and premises.
• Submit and maintain accurate paperwork including permits, load lists, pre and post trip inspections, e/logbooks, DOT inspections, timecards, and receipts.
• Train employees to safely operate vehicles and equipment when loading/unloading, spotting, supporting, blocking, and securing loads in the pipeyard.

• Experience in general labor and heavy equipment operation.
• Valid CDL and forklift operation skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Proficiency in loading/unloading trucks and conducting trip inspections.
• Ability to perform essential job duties such as climbing ladders, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, stooping, squatting, lifting, and climbing.

Join a team that values a positive attitude, continual learning, and efficiency. We foster a team-oriented environment with integrity at its core, offering continual growth and development opportunities. You will be in charge of running the yard year-round with a consistent weekly work schedule.

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $40000.00 - $60000.00/yr.

Competitive Annual Earnings and Incentives Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance Cafeteria §125 Plan (Flex Plan) / Health Savings Account (HSA)401(k) Pension w/Match and Profit Sharing Paid Time Off (PTO) Plus Holidays & Bonus Holidays Paid Travel Time in Company Vehicles, Provided Hotels and Per Diem Safety Boots and Prescription Glasses Reimbursement Program Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provided Paid DOT Physicals On-The-Job and Formal Training Plus Career Development Employee Referral Program

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 26, 2026.

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.