CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience

Job Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport equipment and materials, operate construction machinery, and assist with demanding field projects. This is a hands-on role that combines commercial driving, equipment operation, physical labor, and equipment maintenance. It is not an over-the-road driving position.

Employees must be available for emergency assignments at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and DOT regulations.

• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, equipment, and permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans with the crew.

• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials before and after field assignments.

• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.

• Assist with specialty lifting, material transfers, equipment recovery, infrastructure repairs, and construction activities.

• Help assemble and inspect equipment and use chains, cables, and winches for rigging operations.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

• Monitor equipment condition and perform basic servicing and minor repairs. Report more complex mechanical issues to the shop supervisor.

• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.

• Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort scrap materials, and keep equipment and work areas clean and organized.

• Follow all safety procedures and assist other teams or departments when operational needs require it.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience preferred, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid steers.

• Ability to perform hands-on work and safely operate heavy machinery around coworkers and other equipment.

• Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and other company programs.

• Availability for emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime; employees average 60 or more hours weekly, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

• During downtime between field assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing.

Benefits

• Full-time employment with benefits.

• Opportunities to develop heavy equipment operating and technical skills.

Hiring Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

Interview reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.