CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime Availability: Must be available for 24/7 emergency on-call assignments Benefits: Full-time benefits, including travel compensation Position Overview We are seeking Class A CDL drivers to support specialized railroad field operations throughout the region. This position combines equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, and hands-on fieldwork at emergency job sites. This is not a traditional over-the-road driving position. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job, with the majority of time spent operating equipment, handling materials, and assisting with field operations. Candidates must be comfortable with physically demanding work, operating different types of construction equipment, and responding to emergency calls at any time, including weekends and holidays.

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.