CDL-A 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. Job Responsibilities Transportation & Equipment Handling Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, heavy equipment, and materials between locations. Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and related equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures. Verify load securement and review permits for oversized and overweight transportation. Load, unload, position, and relocate equipment and materials at work sites. Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and transportation following project completion. Heavy Equipment Operation & Field Support Operate machinery such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators when properly qualified. Assist with lifting, rigging, and equipment positioning using chains, cables, and winches. Perform material transfers, equipment installation, site preparation, grading, and other field activities. Use hydraulic equipment, welding machines, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools to complete assigned tasks. Work alongside other crew members to complete field assignments safely and efficiently. Equipment Maintenance & Safety Check vehicles and machinery for proper operating condition and report issues that could affect performance. Perform basic maintenance on trucks and equipment and document completed work. Escalate major mechanical problems to the Shop Foreman or Shop Manager. Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and equipment readiness checks. Keep vehicles, tools, and work areas clean and organized. Replenish equipment, replacement parts, and supplies before future assignments. Follow safety requirements and provide assistance to other operational teams when needed. Required Qualifications Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A). Good driving record. Background in construction, heavy equipment operation, general labor, or a similar hands-on occupation. Ability to operate machinery and perform physically demanding field assignments. Willingness to complete required equipment qualification and safety training. Strong understanding of workplace safety and awareness when working around heavy machinery. Flexibility to work extended hours and respond to urgent assignments. Must be available 24/7 for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays. Preferred Equipment Experience At least 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment, including any combination of the following: Backhoes Bulldozers Excavators Front-end loaders Grapple trucks Tractor equipment Skid-steer loaders Rail-bound equipment Candidates with comparable equipment training and practical operating experience will also be considered. Additional experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, and general mechanical tools is beneficial. Schedule & Work Environment Guaranteed 40 hours per week, with significant overtime available. Typical workweeks average approximately 60 hours, with some reaching 70 hours. Must remain available for emergency assignments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assignments may involve overnight stays and travel outside the local area. During periods between field assignments, employees assist with shop safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PMs). Work involves physical labor and exposure to different 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 or hotel pay for out-of-town work. Layover pay when applicable. Full-time employee benefits. Pre-Employment Requirements Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening. Successful background check.