CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

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.

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.