Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator

Clean Harbors, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,817 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits after 30 days

401K with company matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Clean Harbors, Inc. is seeking Traveling Heavy Equipment Operators to operate a range of heavy machinery including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other equipment. The role requires 95–100% travel across the contiguous United States, with a typical rotation of 6 weeks on and 1 week off, and local projects when available.

Location: Illinois preferred; other locations considered case-by-case. Pay is $26–32 per hour DOE, with per diem, furnished single-occupancy accommodations, and overtime

Qualifications

• 3+ years of previous experience operating heavy equipment.
• Must be able to travel 95–100% — schedule 6 weeks traveling followed by 1 week home.
• Current valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, screeners, and other construction equipment.
• Work at Clean Harbors facilities or customer locations.
• Perform 95% travel across 48 contiguous states with travel expenses covered.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Travel readiness

Safety adherence

Job description

Clean Harbors National Remediation team is seeking Traveling Heavy Equipment Operators. The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate a variety of equipment, such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, screeners, excavators, and other equipment. Candidates must also be willing and able to perform manual labor as required.

Travel Requirements: Equipment Operator (95–100% travel). Typical rotation is 6 weeks out on a project (not coming home on weekends) and then 1 week off. Flying is required to get to project locations unless it is a local job.

Location: Illinois preferred; all other locations will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Pay: $26–32 DOE. Per diem available while traveling. Individual accommodations provided: single occupancy room with kitchenette, typically a long‑term type of hotel property. Prevailing wage and overtime available depending on the job site.

Year‑round consistent work with time off every 6 weeks to recharge.

Position Overview

• The Heavy Equipment Operator (Traveling) operates heavy equipment such as bulldozers, compactors, excavators, etc.
• This individual will work either at a Clean Harbors facility or at a customer location.
• This position will require 95% travel in all 48 contiguous states (all travel expenses are covered).

Why work for Clean Harbors?

• Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5.
• Competitive wages based on experience.
• Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full‑time employment.
• Group 401K with company matching component.
• Generous paid time off, company‑paid training and tuition reimbursement.
• Positive and safe work environments.
• Opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Competent and proficient operation of the following: excavator (60k LB and up), front‑end loader (3 CY and up), articulating dump truck (25 CY and up), bulldozer (150 HP and up), motor grader, soil compactor, articulating water truck, compact loader, compact excavator, and other construction equipment. Minimum of 10‑years of experience operating this type of equipment.
• Operating machinery such as backhoe, front‑end loader, excavator, bulldozer, track‑hoe, and compactor.
• Operates a heavy‑duty forklift as required.
• Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Complete and submit all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking.
• Perform occasional labor work.
• Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of previous experience in operating heavy equipment required.
• Previous experience operating bulldozers and excavators required.
• Previous construction experience (earthworks) preferred.
• Must be able to travel 95–100%—schedule 6 weeks traveling followed by 1‑week home paid.
• Current valid driver license with an acceptable driving record required.

Physical Requirements

• This position is physically demanding, and candidates must be able to navigate varying site conditions where steep slopes and rugged terrain may be present and walk several miles per day. Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted and wear personal protective equipment that may restrict movement, when required.
• Requires walking and standing for extended periods of time, sitting in equipment that may vibrate or jostle, climbing and working at heights, pulling/pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, crawling, stooping, crouching, and balance. Requires speaking, listening, understanding, and writing English; color determination, depth perception, clarity of vision, and 20/20 eyesight (corrected or uncorrected).
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment, and a clean personal appearance. Facial hair must always comply with the company's respiratory protection facial hair policy.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [e-mail] or 1‑844‑922‑5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.