Class A CDL Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator

Company: Terranova Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA Job Type: Contract with opportunity to convert to full-time Compensation: $40–$55/hour, depending on experience

ABOUT TERRANOVA

Terranova is a hard-tech company developing innovative ground engineering technologies to reshape the world. We design, build, and operate specialized equipment for large-scale earthmoving and subsurface engineering projects.

We're looking for a versatile, hands-on Class A CDL Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator to support our field operations. This role combines commercial truck driving, heavy equipment operation, material transportation, and general jobsite support.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating large machinery, solving practical problems in the field, and taking on a variety of responsibilities throughout the day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Commercial Truck Driving & Material Transport

- Operate Class 8 semi-trucks with trailers to transport woodchips, bulk materials, and equipment between suppliers and project sites.

- Safely connect, disconnect, maneuver, and position trailers in active construction environments.

- Transport and unload materials using hydraulic live-floor or chain-floor trailers.

- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and maintain compliance with applicable DOT regulations.

- Coordinate material deliveries, loading, and unloading to support daily operations.

Heavy Equipment Operation

- Operate excavators, telehandlers, forklifts, skid steers, and other construction equipment.

- Load, unload, move, and stage materials around project sites.

- Assist with excavation, material handling, and equipment positioning.

- Perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance.

- Safely operate machinery in changing jobsite conditions.

Field Operations & General Support

- Support daily site operations, including equipment setup, material movement, and site preparation.

- Assist with operating and maintaining specialized hydraulic and mechanical equipment.

- Help troubleshoot basic mechanical and equipment issues.

- Work alongside engineers and field technicians to improve jobsite efficiency.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

- Experience operating tractor-trailers, including maneuvering and backing in confined spaces.

- Demonstrated experience operating excavators and other heavy construction equipment.

- Safe driving record and ability to meet applicable DOT driver qualification requirements.

- Familiarity with construction jobsite safety practices.

- Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork and work outdoors.

- Reliable, adaptable, and comfortable performing both driving and hands-on equipment work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience transporting bulk materials such as woodchips, mulch, aggregates, soil, or construction debris.

- Experience operating hydraulic walking-floor, chain-floor, or live-bottom trailers.

- Experience operating telehandlers, forklifts, and skid steers.

- Experience in excavation, grading, utilities, agriculture, or civil construction.

- Mechanical aptitude, including basic hydraulic systems troubleshooting and maintenance.

- Experience loading and transporting heavy equipment using lowboy or flatbed trailers.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for someone who enjoys operating machinery and is willing to take ownership of a wide range of field responsibilities.

This isn't a traditional long-haul trucking position. You'll spend time both driving commercial vehicles and working directly on-site with excavators, telehandlers, and other equipment.

The right candidate is safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, independent, and comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

- $40–$55/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

- Potential for full-time position with opportunities for overtime.

- Opportunity to work with specialized machinery and emerging ground engineering technologies.

- Collaborative, hands-on engineering environment.