CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: West Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00 per hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.

Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime opportunities.

Overtime: Time-and-a-half for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Position Overview

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 is a hands-on position that combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job, with the majority of time spent operating machinery, assisting with field projects, and handling equipment and materials.

The ideal candidate has a Class A CDL, experience operating construction equipment, and the flexibility to respond to emergency assignments on short notice.

Key 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including:
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Tractor equipment
• Skid-steer loaders
• 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.

Schedule & Work Environment

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Average workweek of approximately 60 hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
• Significant overtime opportunities.
• 24/7 on-call availability for emergency assignments.
• Work may involve overnight travel and assignments outside the local area.
• During downtime between emergency assignments, employees assist with shop safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PMs).
• Physically demanding work in various weather conditions.

Additional Compensation & Benefits

• Time-and-a-half for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Per diem for qualifying travel assignments.
• Hotel accommodations/pay for out-of-town assignments.
• Layover pay when applicable.
• Full-time employee benefits.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.