CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Crane & 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

Qualdoc is hiring a CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized lifting, equipment handling, and emergency field operations.

This position combines commercial driving, heavy machinery operation, and hands-on fieldwork. Employees will transport equipment to job sites, operate cranes and excavators, assist with complex lifting activities, and help complete time-sensitive assignments safely and efficiently.

Driving makes up a smaller portion of this position, with most responsibilities involving equipment operation and field support. When field assignments are limited, employees assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety training.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

• On-call availability 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Per diem for qualifying assignments.

• Hotel accommodations and layover pay for eligible travel assignments.

• Full-time benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery to perform specialized lifting and equipment handling assignments.

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

• Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.

• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.

• Assist with loading, unloading, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with supervisors and crew members.

• Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, and safe machinery operation.

• Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches for lifting and equipment movement.

• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, as qualified.

• Assist with equipment recovery, specialized lifting, material transfers, and other field assignments.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.

• Monitor machinery and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, referring more complex issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

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

• Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, tools, and supplies.

• Maintain clean and organized equipment, vehicles, and work areas.

• Assist other departments as needed and follow all required safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction, industrial labor, or another physically demanding field.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.

• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to perform minor equipment repairs.

• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other crew members.

• Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to follow established procedures.

• Availability for emergency on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.

• Ability to successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.

• Experience with cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

• Experience operating manual transmission equipment.

• Mechanical aptitude and experience using hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

• Physically demanding assignments involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials.

• Ability to work on uneven surfaces and around heavy equipment.

• Availability for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

• Flexibility to work extended hours depending on operational needs.

Pay & Benefits

• Starting pay of $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.

• 40 guaranteed hours per week with significant overtime opportunities.

• Per diem, hotel accommodations, and eligible layover pay.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Disability, life, and AD&D insurance.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Training and career advancement opportunities.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

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