CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

On-site
West Chicago, ILvia Qualdoc CareersPosted Oct 28, 2026
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About this role

CDL-A Field Equipment Operator – West Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience

Position Summary

We’re hiring a CDL-A Field Equipment Operator for specialized field assignments based out of West Chicago, IL. This is a hands-on position for someone who can safely transport equipment, operate heavy machinery, assist with lifting and recovery tasks, and perform physical labor. Driving is only one part of the job; candidates should be ready to work directly at job sites and respond to emergency callouts.

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.

Before you apply

  • 1Which parts of your CV prove experience with this kind of role?
  • 2Which recent work examples would make your application stronger for this role?
  • 3What details from the original source listing should you confirm before applying?

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