CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc•West Chicago, IL

About The Position

An established field services organization is seeking CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operators for specialized field projects involving equipment transportation, material handling, heavy machinery operation, and maintenance. This hands-on position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent operating machinery, assisting with field projects, and handling equipment and materials. The position is based in West Chicago, Illinois, and is a full-time, direct-hire role. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay potentially available depending on experience. The role guarantees 40 hours per week and offers significant overtime opportunities. Operators transport heavy equipment, machinery, and materials to job sites; operate machinery when qualified; assist with lifting, installation, and other field work; and help maintain vehicles and equipment. Work may include overnight travel and assignments outside the local area. Employees must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls. During downtime, they assist with shop safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance. The work is physically demanding and takes place in various weather conditions.

Requirements

Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
Experience in construction, equipment operation, general labor, or a similar physically demanding role.
Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field work.
Ability to pass required safety training and qualification programs.
Strong awareness of workplace safety and surroundings when operating machinery.
Willingness to work extended hours and respond to emergency assignments.
Availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractor equipment, skid-steer loaders, or rail-bound equipment.
Equivalent combinations of equipment training and hands-on experience will also be considered.
Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, cutting torches, and general mechanical tools.

Responsibilities

Transport heavy equipment, machinery, and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment transportation.
Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites.
Operate heavy machinery, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, when qualified.
Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, rigging, and lifting operations using chains, cables, and winches.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned work.
Support specialty lifting, material transfers, equipment installation, site preparation, grading, and other field operations.
Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate with team members to complete assignments efficiently.
Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance, referring major repairs to the Shop Foreman or Shop Manager.
Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after project completion.
Restock vehicles with parts, supplies, and equipment for future assignments.
Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed.
During downtime between emergency assignments, assist with shop safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance.