CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer
Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Pay Rate: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator for a hands-on field position involving equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, and physical labor. This is not a traditional truck-driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the work, while the majority of the role involves operating construction equipment, handling materials, and assisting with field operations.
Employees work as part of a mobile response team and must be available for emergency assignments. When not traveling to job sites, employees assist with equipment maintenance, safety training, and shop duties. Schedule & Compensation
• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
• Significant overtime opportunities.
• On-call availability required 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Per diem, hotel expenses, and layover pay provided for qualifying travel assignments.
• Full benefits package.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before starting field assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for field operations.
• Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, and operation, including cranes and other heavy machinery.
•
Operate equipment such as:
• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Excavators
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Bulldozers
• Front-end loaders
• Skid-steer loaders
• Assist with rigging operations using chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Support specialized lifting, material transfers, grading, equipment positioning, and construction-related activities.
• Monitor vehicles and machinery to ensure they remain in safe operating condition.
• Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues.
• Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment, organize supplies, and maintain clean work areas.
• Help with shop maintenance, preventive maintenance (PMs), and safety training during downtime.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain equipment in operational condition.
• Assist other departments as needed to support daily operations.
Qualifications
Required:
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Previous construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor experience.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field duties.
• Comfortable with an on-call schedule and emergency dispatches, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours when assignments require it.
• Ability to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification testing.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and equipment maintenance.
Preferred Experience:
•
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders
• Experience with rigging, chains, cables, winches, hydraulic tools, welding, and cutting torches.
• Basic mechanical and preventive maintenance skills.
Work Environment
• Field-based position involving emergency response assignments.
• Physically active work that includes equipment operation, material handling, and manual labor.
• Not an over-the-road (OTR) driving position.
• Employees must be comfortable working outdoors and in changing weather conditions.
• Extended shifts and irregular schedules are part of the role.
Pre-Employment Requirements
• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.
• Must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
