CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

This full-time, direct-hire position supports specialized railroad field operations throughout the region. It combines transporting equipment, operating heavy machinery, and hands-on work at job sites, including emergency sites. It is not a traditional over-the-road driving role: driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job, while most time is spent operating equipment, handling materials, and assisting with field operations. The work is physically demanding and takes place in outdoor environments. The role requires availability for 24/7 emergency on-call assignments, 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. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay depending on experience. Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time and a half. Qualifying travel assignments include per diem and hotel accommodations, and layover pay may apply. Full-time benefits and travel compensation are offered.

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.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must 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, and skid-steer loaders.
Equivalent combinations of equipment training and hands-on experience will 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 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.
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.
Significant overtime opportunities.

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