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Recovery Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

You'll receive hands-on training while working alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other ...

Hulcher Services Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

You'll receive hands-on training while working alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other ...

Gateway Foundation

Peer Recovery Specialist I - Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the ... Contributes to the development and implementation of individualized recovery support plans and ...

Hulcher Services, Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

You'll receive hands-on training while working alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What we need Symbotic is seeking a Cell Operator; you will be responsible for system upkeep and ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What we need Symbotic is seeking a Cell Operator; you will be responsible for system upkeep and ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What we need Symbotic is seeking a Cell Operator; you will be responsible for system upkeep and ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What we need Symbotic is seeking a Cell Operator; you will be responsible for system upkeep and ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Pae

Heavy Equipment Operator Lead

Chicago, IL

This is both a working and operating lead position with physical labor, and support tasking ... Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Melrose Park, IL

$22/hr

As a Cell Operator, you will be responsible for system upkeep and operations of automated adapters ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Symbotic

Cell Operator

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$22/hr

As a Cell Operator, you will be responsible for system upkeep and operations of automated adapters ... Contribute to overall system uptime through system preservation, robot recovery, suspect removal ...

Symbotic

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Joliet, IL · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... robot recovery and maintenance (replacing wheels, cleaning sensors, etc.) ✓ Process and monitor ... operator, or manufacturing background ✓ Comfortable with hands-on, physical work in fast-paced ...

Symbotic

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Joliet, IL

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... robot recovery and maintenance (replacing wheels, cleaning sensors, etc.) ✓ Process and monitor ... operator, or manufacturing background ✓ Comfortable with hands-on, physical work in fast-paced ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsRecovery Operator JobsRecovery Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Recovery Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$20

$30

How much do recovery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for recovery operator in Chicago, IL is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recovery Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectRecovery OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires safety certifications, CDL license, and industry-specific trainingRequires CDL license and equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentWorks on recovery sites, often outdoors, handling vehicles and wreckageOperates machinery in construction, industrial, or transportation settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in towing, vehicle recovery, and salvage industriesUsed across construction, logistics, and manufacturing sectors

Recovery Operators and Equipment Operators share certifications like CDL licenses and work outdoors, but Recovery Operators focus on vehicle recovery and salvage, while Equipment Operators handle machinery operation in various industries. Both roles are essential in their fields and often overlap in safety and technical skills.

How to get a job in recovery operator?

To become a recovery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training in equipment operation and safety procedures. Prior experience in industrial or construction environments can be beneficial, and certifications such as OSHA safety training may be required. Strong physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to operate specialized machinery are important for this role.

What is a recovery operator?

A recovery operator is a professional responsible for retrieving and restoring vehicles, equipment, or assets, often in the context of vehicle recovery or salvage. They typically use specialized tools and follow safety procedures to perform their tasks efficiently and may require certifications or licenses depending on the industry. The role often involves working outdoors or in various environments and may require knowledge of vehicle mechanics or recovery techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Recovery Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Recovery Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recovery Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recovery Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Recovery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recovery Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,582 per year, or $21 per hour.

Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description:

CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I


$26.84 - $28.52/Hour + Overtime | Company Paid Benefits | Paid Training | Build a Career in Railroad Emergency Response

Full-Time |Travel Up to 50% | 24/7 Emergency Response Operations


Turn Your CDL Into a Career

Hulcher Services is looking for motivated individuals with a Class A CDL who are ready to build a career operating specialized heavy equipment used in railroad derailment response and recovery.

This isn't a typical driving job. You'll receive hands-on training while working alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery.

If you enjoy challenging work, operating equipment, traveling, and being part of a team that responds when others can't, this is an opportunity unlike any other.


Compensation & Benefits

  • $26.84 - $28.52 Per Hour
  • Overtime Opportunities
  • Weekly Pay
  • Company paid benefits
  • Paid Training
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Full-Time, Year-Round Employment

About Hulcher Services

Hulcher Services is a nationwide leader in railroad derailment response, engineering, track maintenance, environmental services, and disaster recovery. With more than 500 employees operating from over 25 divisions throughout the United States and Mexico, we respond to critical incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our teams help restore rail service safely and efficiently using specialized equipment and highly trained personnel.


What You'll Do

As a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I, you'll train alongside experienced crews while supporting emergency railroad operations throughout your assigned region.


Responsibilities include:

  • Transport specialized heavy equipment using tractor-trailers and escort vehicles.
  • Assist with railroad derailment recovery operations.
  • Learn to operate heavy recovery equipment under the guidance of experienced operators.
  • Handle heavy steel chains, wire rope, rigging equipment, lifting blocks, and recovery tools.
  • Climb on and beneath railcars and locomotives during recovery operations.
  • Perform equipment setup, maintenance, cleaning, and inspections.
  • Use hand tools, power tools, cutting torches, and welding equipment.
  • Perform physically demanding work, including digging, lifting, rigging, and equipment setup.
  • Work safely around heavy equipment, active railroads, bridges, waterways, and industrial environments.
  • Follow all company safety procedures and operational standards.



Requirements:

What We're Looking For


We're looking for dependable individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are ready to build a long-term career in heavy equipment and railroad operations.


Required Qualifications

  • Valid Class A CDL with no restrictions
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to travel up to 50%
  • Willingness to work in a 24/7 emergency response environment
  • Ability to pass required background screenings and pre-employment requirements
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Comfortable working at heights exceeding 25 feet and around water when required

Experience in any of the following is a plus:

  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Construction
  • Truck Driving
  • Rigging
  • Railroad
  • Crane Operations
  • Welding
  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Oil & Gas
  • Utilities
  • Military
  • Agriculture
  • Work Schedule

This position supports emergency railroad operations, which means flexibility is essential.

  • Standard work schedule Monday through Friday
  • 24/7 on-call rotation for emergency derailment response
  • Travel required throughout the assigned territory
  • Overtime available during emergency response operations

Why Join Hulcher Services?

Few careers offer the opportunity to operate specialized heavy equipment while helping restore critical railroad infrastructure across North America.

At Hulcher Services, you'll receive hands-on training, work alongside experienced professionals, earn excellent company paid benefits, and build a career in a unique industry where your skills make an immediate impact.

If you're looking for more than just another CDL driving job and want a career with challenge, stability, and advancement opportunities, apply today and become part of the Hulcher Services team.