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.