Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Details

Working Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Class: Heavy Equipment Operator
Agency: Military Affairs Dept

• Job ID: 96549
• Location: Little Falls
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/01/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Military Affairs Dept / Military Affairs-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: FMO Maint Roads Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/ 7am- 3:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.65 - $34.16 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: (Required for AFSCME)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position exists to provide safe and professional equipment operations to maintain and construct roads, earthen structures, drainage and safety features for the Roads and Railroads Department.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in operating road graders, front end loaders, bulldozers, dump trucks, excavators, and other heavy equipment.
• Experience in maintaining bituminous, gravel and concrete road surfaces.
• Experience replacing culverts.
• Must have a valid Minnesota Class A driver’s license.
• Knowledge of salt spreading practices for ice and snow removal.
• Must be able to receive and follow written and oral instructions on projects to be completed.
• Must be able to work with a team to accomplish small and large projects.
• Must be able to coordinate and work with other entities on Camp Ripley such as Plumbing, Electrical, Paint, Carpentry, Range Control, and Environmental.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wildland Fire certified
• Faller B
• Ability to respond to uncontrolled burns and control burn live fire ranges to reduce hazardous fuels to keep ranges safe to operate and must meet the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Standards for the wild land and prescribed fire qualifier system.
• Ability to respond to and clean up hazardous spills.
• Meet training requirements for set by the Post Commander and HAZWOPER Training Course.

Physical Requirements

Must have ability to perform repetitive motions with various types of equipment and tools on a regular basis. Requires occasionally lifting articles and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and tool boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. Must have the ability to climb and work off ladders. Must have ability to work in confined spaces with limited room to maneuver. Must be able to work in all weather conditions.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact CSM Patrick Tiemann [email protected] at 320/616-3098.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tricia Byron Barfknecht at [email protected].

About Military Affairs Dept

(Include brief description of agency - limit to two sentences)

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement <*Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement*>
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.