CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc • West Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

The CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator transports equipment and materials, operates heavy machinery, and assists with hands-on field projects. The role combines commercial driving, equipment handling, physical labor, and routine maintenance. Driving is a small portion of the work; most duties take place at job sites or in the equipment shop. The position guarantees 40 hours per week, with significant overtime: employees average more than 60 hours weekly, and some weeks reach 70 hours. Time-and-a-half pay applies to hours worked outside Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable. Between field assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing. Emergency call-outs are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The position is full-time, direct hire, and based in West Chicago, Illinois. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience. Pre-employment drug screening and a background check are required. Candidates are reminded to bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL and a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and perform hands-on field work.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.
• Availability for emergency response at all hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Bring steel-toed boots to 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 steers.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips in accordance with company procedures and DOT requirements.
• Transport equipment and materials to job sites, check loads, and confirm permits for oversized or overweight shipments.
• Attend safety briefings and coordinate daily work activities with the crew.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites.
• Assist with equipment recovery, specialty lifting, material transfers, grading, infrastructure repairs, and construction projects.
• Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other machinery when qualified.
• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
• Monitor equipment condition, perform minor servicing and repairs, and report major mechanical issues to the shop supervisor.
• Assist with dismantling and loading equipment at the end of assignments.
• Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort scrap materials, and maintain clean, organized work areas.
• Follow safety procedures and support other operational teams when needed.
• Complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing between field assignments.

Benefits

• Full-time employment with benefits.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

What This Job Offers

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