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. Responsibilities Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips, following company procedures and DOT requirements. Transport equipment and materials to job sites, check loads, and confirm permits for oversized or overweight shipments. Attend safety briefings and coordinate daily work activities with the crew. Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites. Assist with equipment recovery, specialty lifting, material transfers, grading, infrastructure repairs, and construction projects. Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other machinery when qualified. Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches. Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment. Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed. Monitor equipment condition, complete minor servicing and repairs, and report major mechanical issues to the shop supervisor. Assist with dismantling and loading equipment at the end of assignments. Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort scrap materials, and maintain clean, organized work areas. Follow safety procedures and support other operational teams when needed. Qualifications Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record. Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role. Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and perform hands-on field work. Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training. Availability for emergency response at all hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Preferred Experience Three or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers. An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered. Schedule & Pay 40 hours guaranteed per week. Significant overtime; employees average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours. Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable. Between field assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing. Benefits & Hiring Requirements Full-time employment with benefits. Pre-employment drug screening and background check. Interview reminder: Bring steel-toed boots to the interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr