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.