Parks Construction Operator I

Parks Construction Operator I

Salary

$56,222.40 - $69,555.20 Annually

Location

City Services Center - 500 15th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Parks and Recreation

Division

Parks

Opening Date

10/06/2026

Closing Date

10/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a skilled and dependable Parks Construction Operator I to help build, maintain, and improve the parks, recreation, and golf facilities that make our community a great place to live. This hands-on position operates a variety of heavy equipment and tools while performing construction, maintenance, and repair work across a wide range of projects. If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and seeing the direct results of your work in the community, we encourage you to apply.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

Operates light and heavy equipment, power and hand tools, and provides technical assistance for City parks, recreation and golf in all facets of construction and construction maintenance.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates light and heavy equipment in landscaping, grading, playing field, road and trail construction, tree removal, installation of underground pipe and utilities, demolition, and a variety of other projects related to parks, recreation and golf area development;
• Operates the following (but not limited to) equipment to complete the above tasks: front end loader, motor patrol (grader), scraper, track loader, rubber tired backhoe, skid loaders (tracked and tire) with various attachments, tractors of various sizes with various type of 3pt mounted and trailing equipment including mowers;
• Operates various types of trucks from single axle 1-ton trucks to tandem dump trucks with associated trailers for equipment and materials;
• Inspects and services all construction equipment and tools, performs all daily operational maintenance and fills out and submits reports for needed repairs in a timely manner;
• Performs concrete construction and maintenance work in relation to various types of flat work and footings;
• Performs masonry, carpentry, basic electrical and basic plumbing work in construction and maintenance of various indoor and outdoor buildings and facilities;
• Installs playground equipment;
• Drives truck to haul equipment, supplies and debris;
• Leads and organizes seasonal staff and additional park staff as needed to complete assigned projects;
• Performs various mowing, grass trimming tree trimming and chain saw work as required;
• Performs various types of welding and metal fabrication using ox-acetylene, stick and mig welding as well as plasma cutting and other various metal fabrication tools;
• Paints buildings and equipment;
• Performs maintenance activities at the Ellis Boat Harbor, including operating maintenance boat with a 25hp outboard motor, installing and repairing boat ramps, slips, docks, sheet piling, walks, roads, signs and navigational buoys;
• Wears and properly utilizes all safety equipment including personal protective;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma and
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in operation of heavy equipment, including skilled maintenance and repair work or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• Class A with tanker and air brake endorsements within one year of hire

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Hourly Rate

The Parks Construction Operator I is covered under the AFSCME Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $27.03, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 include:

New Hire1 year2 years3 years$27.03$29.86$31.62$33.44

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the Citys Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year-learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

01

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalency?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best indicates your total years of full-time experience where primary work duties consisted of operation of heavy equipment, including skilled maintenance and repair work?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience

03

Please describe your experience in operation of heavy equipment, including skilled maintenance and repair work.

04

Please describe any experience you have with concrete construction, such as forming, placement, and finishing. Identify the types of projects you have worked on and the specific tasks you personally performed. If you do not have any related concrete experience, please indicate so.

05

Do you currently possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

06

If selected for this position, are you willing to obtain a Class A CDL with air brake endorsement within one year of hire?

• Yes
• No
• Already possess Class A CDL with necessary endorsement

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/