CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits

Position Summary

Seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator for railroad emergency response, construction, and field operations. This position involves much more than driving—you will also operate heavy equipment, move materials, assist with railroad recovery work, and perform hands-on equipment and job-site support.

Employees must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties

Complete DOT-required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.

Drive and transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work locations.

Check loads and confirm permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

Participate in safety meetings and review job plans before starting work.

Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.

Support railroad emergency and recovery operations, including:

• Train rerailing
• Load transfers
• Track maintenance
• Track repairs
• Related construction work
• Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and record minor vehicle and equipment servicing.
• Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.
• Maintain necessary parts, supplies, and components in vehicles and equipment.
• Follow required safety procedures and work practices.
• Provide support to other teams and departments as needed.

Equipment & Tools

Experience operating or working with the following is valuable:

• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders
• Hydraulic tools
• Welding equipment
• Cutting torches
• Electrical tools
• Common hand tools

Qualifications

Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.

Ability to safely and effectively operate heavy equipment.

Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.

Strong willingness to work in emergency-response conditions and extended-hour assignments.

Ability to perform physically demanding work in the field.

Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Work performed outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.