Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Socket.dev; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,326,000 - 85,676,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel expenses for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev in West Chicago, IL is seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations. This is not over-the-road driving; about 10% of work involves driving, with the rest spent operating heavy construction equipment and performing related tasks.

Typical weeks run around 60+ hours with guaranteed 40, plus overtime. Responsibilities include inspections, transport, rigging, crane operations, and track maintenance in a safety-focused team

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL and good driving record.
• 3+ years heavy equipment operating experience preferred.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 emergency response environment.

Responsibilities

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments, including weekends and holidays.
• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment and materials to/from work sites and verify loads and permits.
• Operate heavy equipment qualified to use cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and rail-bound equipment.
• Assist with rerailing operations and track maintenance tasks.
• Perform rigging with chains, cables, and winches.
• Maintain safe work areas and report mechanical issues.

Skills

On-call readiness

Physical stamina

Safe driving

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Bulldozers

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour (Higher pay available depending on experience)
Schedule: Full-Time | 24/7 On-Call

Job Overview

We are seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator to support emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations throughout the region.

This is not an over-the-road driving position. Driving typically accounts for only about 10% of the job. The majority of the work involves operating heavy construction equipment, handling materials, assisting with rerailing and track work, and performing physical labor at job sites.

When not responding to emergency calls, team members may work at the shop completing equipment maintenance, safety training, inspections, and preventive maintenance.

40 hours are guaranteed each week, with significant overtime. The average workweek is approximately 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

Compensation

• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem
• Hotel expenses for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments, including weekends and holidays.
• Complete DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from work sites and verify loads and transportation permits.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and relocate equipment and materials.
• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, and track maintenance, repair, grading, and new construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform minor equipment and vehicle servicing and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, job-site cleanup, and material organization.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home location.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor environment.
• Ability and willingness to work in an on-call, 24/7 emergency response environment, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable performing physical labor and working around heavy machinery.
• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience preferred, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check

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