CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer
- $26 per hour
- Onsite
About the role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Pay Rate: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator for a hands-on field position involving equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, and physical labor. This is not a traditional truck-driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the work, while the majority of the role involves operating construction equipment, handling materials, and assisting with field operations.
Employees work as part of a mobile response team and must be available for emergency assignments. When not traveling to job sites, employees assist with equipment maintenance, safety training, and shop duties.
Schedule & Compensation
-
40 hours guaranteed per week.
-
Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
-
Significant overtime opportunities.
-
On-call availability required 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
-
Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
-
Per diem, hotel expenses, and layover pay provided for qualifying travel assignments.
-
Full benefits package.
Key Responsibilities
-
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
-
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
-
Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
-
Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before starting field assignments.
-
Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for field operations.
-
Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, and operation, including cranes and other heavy machinery.
-
Operate equipment such as:
-
Cranes
-
Backhoes
-
Excavators
-
Grapple trucks
-
Dump trucks
-
Bulldozers
-
Front-end loaders
-
Skid-steer loaders
-
Assist with rigging operations using chains, cables, and winches.
-
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
-
Support specialized lifting, material transfers, grading, equipment positioning, and construction-related activities.
-
Monitor vehicles and machinery to ensure they remain in safe operating condition.
-
Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues.
-
Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.
-
Restock vehicles and equipment, organize supplies, and maintain clean work areas.
-
Help with shop maintenance, preventive maintenance (PMs), and safety training during downtime.
-
Follow all company safety procedures and maintain equipment in operational condition.
-
Assist other departments as needed to support daily operations.
-
Qualifications
Required:
-
Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
-
Previous construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor experience.
-
Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field duties.
-
Comfortable with an on-call schedule and emergency dispatches, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
-
Willingness to travel and work extended hours when assignments require it.
-
Ability to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification testing.
-
Strong commitment to workplace safety and equipment maintenance.
-
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
-
Backhoes
-
Bulldozers
-
Excavators
-
Front-end loaders
-
Grapple trucks
-
Rail-bound equipment
-
Tractors
-
Skid-steer loaders
-
Experience with rigging, chains, cables, winches, hydraulic tools, welding, and cutting torches.
-
Basic mechanical and preventive maintenance skills.
-
Preferred Experience:
Work Environment
-
Field-based position involving emergency response assignments.
-
Physically active work that includes equipment operation, material handling, and manual labor.
-
Not an over-the-road (OTR) driving position.
-
Employees must be comfortable working outdoors and in changing weather conditions.
-
Extended shifts and irregular schedules are part of the role.
Pre-Employment Requirements
-
Pre-employment drug screening.
-
Background check.
-
Must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.