About this 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
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Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
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Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
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Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
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Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before starting field assignments.
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Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for field operations.
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Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, and operation, including cranes and other heavy machinery.
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Operate equipment such as:
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Cranes
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Backhoes
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Excavators
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Grapple trucks
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Dump trucks
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Bulldozers
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Front-end loaders
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Skid-steer loaders
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Assist with rigging operations using chains, cables, and winches.
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Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
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Support specialized lifting, material transfers, grading, equipment positioning, and construction-related activities.
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Monitor vehicles and machinery to ensure they remain in safe operating condition.
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Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues.
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Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.
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Restock vehicles and equipment, organize supplies, and maintain clean work areas.
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Help with shop maintenance, preventive maintenance (PMs), and safety training during downtime.
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Follow all company safety procedures and maintain equipment in operational condition.
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Assist other departments as needed to support daily operations.
Qualifications
Required:
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Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
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Previous construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor experience.
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Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field duties.
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Comfortable with an on-call schedule and emergency dispatches, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Willingness to travel and work extended hours when assignments require it.
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Ability to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification testing.
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Strong commitment to workplace safety and equipment maintenance.
Preferred Experience:
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
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Backhoes
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Bulldozers
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Excavators
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Front-end loaders
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Grapple trucks
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Rail-bound equipment
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Tractors
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Skid-steer loaders
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Experience with rigging, chains, cables, winches, hydraulic tools, welding, and cutting torches.
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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.