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.
Preferred Experience: • 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.
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.
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