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