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.