CDL-A Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualdoc in West Chicago, IL is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction projects. The role blends driving with heavy equipment operation and field work.

This position requires 24/7 on-call availability, 40 hours plus significant overtime, and lifting, rigging, and safety tasks. You will maintain equipment, participate in safety meetings, and assist with crane and loader operations.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction or equipment operation.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work.
• Must complete required qualification and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections per DOT and procedures.
• Safely transport equipment to and from job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized/overweight gear.
• Join daily safety meetings and review work plans.
• Load, unload, and stage equipment and materials.
• Support railroad emergency response and related construction work.
• Assist with crane and other heavy equipment setup and operation.
• Rig using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, etc.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding, cutting torches, and hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles for safe operation.
• Perform minor servicing and site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles with parts and supplies.
• Maintain clean work areas and tools.
• Follow safety procedures and assist other teams.

Skills

Class A CDL

Heavy equipment operation

24/7 on-call

Physical labor

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

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.