Job Description
Req Id:  44587
Job Title:  Heavy Equipment Operator
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

What You'll be Doing:

Operate heavy equipment in support of University Department Projects, Gravel Pit Operations, utility repairs and perform all duties related to the maintenance, construction/repair of campus streets, roads, parking lots and parking garages.  Assist with all duties related to street signage and markings on campus.  Assist with snow removal on campus streets, roads, parking lots, garages, and airport facility

The targeted rate for this position is between $25.00 and $27.00 per hour, plus benefits. The hiring supervisor will determine the final salary based on the successful candidate’s education and experience.

 

Apply Today!

Join a team that keeps Purdue University’s campus running smoothly and looking its best year-round, and enjoy a benefits package designed for you and your family:

  • Paid Time Off – Generous vacation, holiday, sick, and military leave
  • Retirement Contributions – Purdue contributes up to 8% of your annual income
  • Educational Opportunities – Tuition assistance for you and eligible family members, including the opportunity to earn a degree through Purdue Global.
  • Comprehensive Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy
  • Life Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience
Qualified Candidates Will Need:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience operating heavy equipment, such as backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and 1.5-ton trucks

 

Skills Needed:

  • Valid U.S. driver's license
  • Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 days of hire
  • Ability to maintain a valid CDL, including successful completion of required medical examinations
  • Ability to obtain Competent Person certification for excavations
  • FAA certification in airport safety and snow removal, as required for the position
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Effective verbal communication skills
  • Ability to provide clear verbal and written instructions
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, and schematics
  • Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices for heavy equipment
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to maintain visual concentration while operating heavy equipment
  • Manual dexterity and coordination necessary for safe equipment operation
  • Ability to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds
  • Ability to work outdoors 90% or more of the time in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to frequently climb into and out of heavy equipment
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment
  • Knowledge of Purdue's campus buildings, grounds, and locations preferred

What We’d Like You To Know:

  • To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary CLICK HERE
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position 
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime) 
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan 

Career Stream

  • Administrative and Operational Support 3
  • Pay Band: S050
  • Job Code: 20003897

Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

 

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access university. 

Posting Start Date:  10/13/26