Traveling Equipment Operators

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and our people are the reason we continue to succeed.

We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family. That means we look out for one another, take pride in our work, and build strong relationships rooted in trust and respect.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges, and deliver work we’re proud of.

When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success, where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

* Please Note: This position is a travel position that will require an assignment to an active construction project for an extended period throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and West Virginia. * 

The Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment safely and efficiently in support of heavy civil construction projects. Primary responsibilities include excavation, backfilling, grading, and the transport of materials according to grade stakes, project plans, and supervisor direction.   

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Show up on time every day. 

• Provide advance notice to their supervisor when they are late, absent, or need to leave work early 

• Know and understand safety policies pertaining to your craft. 

• Demonstrate and perform established verbal, hand, eye, and radio contact.  

• Operate equipment safely and responsibly.  

• Follow grade stakes, layout, plans, and supervisor instructions.  

• Dig, backfill, grade, transport materials efficiently or as directed.   

• Know and understand locations of overhead and underground utilities. 

• Know and understand proper potholing techniques. 

• Know and understand safe working clearances for overhead and underground utilities  

• Understand the working capacities of your assigned machine. 

• Complete daily equipment inspections. Report equipment deficiencies immediately. 

• Keep a clean and maintained cab and work area. 

• Report accidents, incidents, and near misses immediately.  

• Have a good attitude with a focus on continuous improvement. 

• Respect coworkers, customers, the public, and your machine.  

• Willing to assist with other tasks as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• Previous Equipment Operator experience in heavy civil construction preferred. 

• Compliance with OSHA, Company and other applicable safety and health requirements. 

• Willingness to learn and accept directions from supervisors.  

• Must possess strong working knowledge, skills and abilities for position sought.  

• Ability to work safely and efficiently with tools and equipment including power and non-power tools.  

• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours to meet project needs. 

• Valid Driver’s License may be required. 

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 

Travel Requirements: 

• This position requires assignment to active construction projects for extended periods throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  

• Must be willing and able to temporarily relocate to project areas and work away from home location for prolonged durations.  

• Flexibility is required, as project assignments, durations, and locations may change based on workload and project demands. 

Working Conditions: 

• Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects. 

• Regular exposure to
• outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust. 

• Position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50lbs in a construction environment. 

• May require extended work hours, early mornings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays to meet project schedules. 

• Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards; strict adherence to safety protocols is required. 

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites. 

Total Rewards: 

• People are the most important asset at Ames Construction. 

• Hourly Wage: $23.00-35.00 which varies for many factors including Union Contracts, experience, knowledge and skills.  

• Health & Welfare: Provided through Local Union Health Fund — medical, dental, vision, Rx 

• Retirement: Pension Fund and Annuity Fund employer contributions per CBA 

• Project-Based Pay: overtime, shift differential, per diem/subsistence, travel eligible  

• Ames-Sponsored Benefits: Mental Health Benefits, Virtual Physical Therapy Benefits 

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.