CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: West Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience
Job Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport equipment, operate heavy machinery, and assist with hands-on field projects. This position involves a combination of commercial driving, equipment handling, physical labor, and routine maintenance. Driving makes up a small portion of the role; most work takes place at job sites or the equipment shop.
Candidates must be available for emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Responsibilities
• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips, following 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 such as 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, complete 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.
Qualifications
• Valid Class A CDL with 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.
Preferred Experience
• Three or more years 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 also be considered.
Schedule & Pay
• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Significant overtime; employees average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–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.
Benefits & Hiring Requirements
• Full-time employment with benefits.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Interview reminder: Bring steel-toed boots to the interview.