CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

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.