CDL-A Equipment Operator

CDL-A 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

A field operations team in West Chicago, IL, is hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to assist with heavy equipment transportation, machinery operation, and hands-on project work at various job sites.

This position combines commercial truck driving, heavy equipment operation, mechanical tasks, and physical labor. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the workload, while most of the time is spent operating machinery, moving materials, preparing equipment, and supporting field activities.

The ideal candidate has a valid Class A CDL, experience working with heavy machinery, and the flexibility to handle emergency assignments that may require immediate travel.

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.