jobapplier

Class A CDL Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator

Terranova

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.