Heavy Equipment Operator Job at State of Indiana in La Porte

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work‑life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public‑Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting‑edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview

Sub District Heavy Equipment Operator operates various types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag‑spreaders, Pavers, Rollers, etc; performs maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools (e.g., dump truck, grader, forklift, tractor‑trailer, chain saw). Highway Technicians are also responsible to perform snow and ice removal and related maintenance duties by operation of snow plow and other winter operations duties as required.

Location

This position is located in INDOT’s LaPorte Sub District and operates throughout the District.

CDL Positions

• Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour.
• Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements required by the district and will then earn an additional $1 per hour. CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.

Pay Rate

This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $22.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Comply with all INDOT safety policies and procedures.
• Operate basic highway maintenance/traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights‑of‑way.
• Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
• Perform emergency response activities such as clean‑up, traffic control, bridge closures, lane closures, placement of signs, and erecting barricades.
• Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre‑trip inspections.
• Perform job documentation tasks such as entry into the Work Management System (WMS).
• Maintain, repair and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings, etc.
• Coordinate work assigned by the Supervisor ensuring that the needed materials and equipment are available.
• Communicate and provide feedback on employee issues to the Supervisor.
• Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.

Additional Duties (depending on assignment)

• Asset Inspector: Perform visual and physical inspection of INDOT owned and maintained assets. Operate inspection equipment to determine location, condition rating, and operation of small culvert assets.
• Bridge Maintenance & Repair Specialist: Operate basic highway maintenance equipment, specialized bridge repair and inspection equipment. Investigate complaints related to bridges and large culverts and coordinate to ensure follow‑up action is taken.
• Contracts Inspector: Perform inspection activities and complete related paperwork on all maintenance contracts.
• Heavy Equipment Operator: Operate various types of heavy and specialized equipment. Perform maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools.
• Herbicide: Operate, calibrate and set application rates for all the different types of herbicide and pesticide equipment. Maintain records of application data. Serve as an independent chemical applicator and undertake landscape projects.
• Shared Workforce: May support construction project ensuring compliance with contracts and quality of work. Perform sampling procedures for different types of materials. May perform and/or assist in aggregate testing and other types of testing such as Indiana Test Methods (ITM).

What You'll Need For Success

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE).
• Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
• Pass drug test as a condition of employment.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Broad knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
• Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Specialty Requirements

• Heavy Equipment Operator: Must have valid CDL Class A and at least 6 months training or experience in operating heavy construction equipment.
• Herbicide: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Core Herbicide and Class 6 Herbicide license.
• Shared Workforce: Must complete Certified Highway Technician Construction Courses or Highway Technician Testing Courses as applicable.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Earn gift card rewards by completing wellness activities.
• Health savings account with bi‑weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
• Two (2) fully‑funded pension plan options.
• Pay vacation, personal, and sick leave (180 hours).
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral bonus program.
• Employee assistance program with behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Government Administration