CDL-A Equipment Operator

CDL-A 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 Overview

We are looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction-related projects. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and hands-on field work.

Driving is only a portion of the job. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.

24/7 on-call availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and company procedures.
• Safely transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support railroad emergency response, including train rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and related construction activities.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment such as:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
  • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and job-site cleanup.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
  • Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
  • Follow all required safety procedures and work practices.
  • Assist other departments or teams as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a physically demanding labor position.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where emergency repairs and recovery work may require extended hours.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combination of relevant training and hands-on experience will be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Work outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM is paid at the applicable overtime rate of 1.5x.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• 24/7 emergency on-call availability is required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

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

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