About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Allentown, PA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience
Position Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A driver with heavy equipment operating experience to support field operations at various job sites. This role involves transporting equipment and materials, operating construction machinery, assisting with lifting and material-handling activities, and performing general field labor.
This is a hands-on position that requires flexibility, physical stamina, and availability to respond to emergency assignments.
Job Duties
Driving & Transportation
- Operate tractor-trailers to deliver equipment, machinery, and materials to designated job sites.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
- Check load securement and confirm permits for oversized and overweight transportation.
- Assist with loading, unloading, staging, and positioning equipment at work locations.
- Help prepare machinery and vehicles for transportation after assignments are completed.
Equipment Operation & Field Activities
- Operate heavy machinery, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, when qualified.
- Assist with crane setup, equipment assembly, inspections, and lifting operations.
- Handle rigging activities using chains, cables, winches, and other lifting accessories.
- Support material transfers, equipment positioning, and other field operations.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as required.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and review job assignments before beginning work.
Maintenance & General Support
- Check equipment condition and perform basic servicing and minor repairs.
- Report significant mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and securement when projects are finished.
- Replenish vehicles with necessary tools, parts, and supplies.
- Maintain organized workspaces, vehicles, and equipment.
- Provide general labor support and assist other departments when necessary.
- Follow all safety procedures and maintain proper housekeeping standards.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A).
- Good driving record.
- Previous experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding occupation.
- Ability to operate heavy machinery and perform hands-on field assignments.
- Willingness to complete required equipment qualification tests and safety training.
- Ability to respond to emergency assignments at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Flexibility to work extended hours and travel as project requirements dictate.
Preferred Experience
At least 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment, such as:
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Tractors
- Skid steers
Experience with specialized or rail-bound machinery is an advantage. Equivalent combinations of equipment training and practical operating experience may also be considered.
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time, direct-hire position.
- Guaranteed 40 hours per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60 or more hours, with significant overtime opportunities.
- Must remain available for emergency assignments 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 for qualifying travel assignments.
- Hotel accommodations and layover pay for eligible out-of-town assignments.
- Full-time employee benefits.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Pre-employment drug screening.
- Background check.