CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc • Minneapolis, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-time, direct-hire position supports specialized railroad field operations throughout the region. It combines equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, and hands-on work at emergency job sites. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the work; most time is spent operating equipment, handling materials, and assisting with field operations. The role involves physically demanding work in outdoor environments and requires availability for emergency on-call assignments at any time, including weekends and holidays.

The position guarantees 40 hours per week, with an average workweek of approximately 60 or more hours and the possibility of reaching 70 hours. Significant overtime is available. Pay starts at $26.00 per hour and may be higher depending on experience. Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time and a half. Per diem and hotel accommodations are provided for qualifying travel assignments, with layover pay when applicable. Full-time benefits are offered, including travel compensation.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Previous construction, industrial labor, or similar hands-on work experience.
• Comfort performing physical labor and working in demanding outdoor environments.
• Ability to operate different types of heavy equipment and construction machinery.
• Willingness to complete required safety training and qualification assessments.
• Availability for emergency on-call assignments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Pass a background check.
• Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combinations of equipment training and hands-on experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, tools, and materials to and from job sites.
• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans before assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites.
• Assist with specialized lifting, equipment recovery, material transfers, and railroad construction-related activities.
• Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy machinery.
• Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches during equipment recovery operations.
• Operate construction and heavy equipment, as qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers.
• Use hydraulic equipment, welding tools, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as needed.
• Monitor equipment condition and report mechanical issues to help prevent downtime.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
• Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing machinery when assignments are completed.
• Clean work areas, organize tools, sort scrap materials, and restock vehicles and equipment for future assignments.
• Follow company safety procedures and maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in good condition.
• Assist other departments with additional field assignments as business needs require.

Benefits

• Full-time benefits, including travel compensation.
• Per diem and hotel accommodations for qualifying travel assignments.
• Layover pay when applicable.
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed