CDL-A Equipment Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator in West Chicago, IL. This role combines driving with heavy equipment operation and field work for railroad emergencies and construction projects.

You will perform inspections, transport equipment, and assist with crane and heavy machinery setup while maintaining safety and efficiency on site.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Safely transport equipment to and from job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Support railroad emergency response and related construction activities.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other equipment.
• Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, and field work.
• Keep work areas and vehicles clean and organized.
• Follow all safety procedures.

Skills

CDL Class A

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response readiness

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.