CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc•West Chicago, IL

About The Position

An established field services organization is seeking CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operators to support specialized field projects involving equipment transportation, material handling, heavy machinery operation, and maintenance activities. This hands-on role 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 paying $26.00 per hour starting, with potentially higher pay depending on experience. The schedule guarantees 40 hours per week, with an average workweek of approximately 60 hours and some weeks reaching 70 hours. Significant overtime is available, with time-and-a-half for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Employees must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls. Work may require overnight travel and assignments outside the local area. During downtime between emergency assignments, employees assist with shop safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance. Work is physically demanding and may take place in various weather conditions. The role includes transporting heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspecting, loading, unloading, positioning, and operating equipment; supporting lifting, material transfer, installation, and site-preparation work; and performing minor maintenance. The employee follows company safety procedures and DOT regulations, participates in safety briefings, and helps keep equipment, vehicles, and work areas organized and ready for assignments. Pre-employment requirements include drug screening and a background check.

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.
Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls.
Ability to perform physically demanding work in various weather conditions.
Pre-employment drug screening and background check are required.

Nice To Haves

3+ 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 is beneficial.

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 necessary 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.