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 Summary

We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support field operations involving equipment transportation, heavy machinery, and hands-on labor. This position combines limited commercial driving with equipment operation, job-site preparation, and routine maintenance. It is a field-based role, not a long-haul trucking position.

Employees must be ready to respond to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. What You’ll Do

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.

• Transport equipment and materials to job sites, check loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight shipments.

• Attend daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with the crew.

• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for field assignments.

• Assist with equipment recovery, specialty lifting, material transfers, grading, infrastructure work, and construction projects.

• Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other machinery when qualified.

• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.

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

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

• Monitor equipment performance, complete basic servicing and minor repairs, and report major mechanical issues to the shop supervisor.

• Help dismantle and load equipment after assignments are complete.

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

• Follow safety procedures and assist with other operational tasks when needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a good driving record.

• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding position.

• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and perform hands-on field work.

• Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.

• Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience

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

• An equivalent combination of training and practical experience may also be considered.

Schedule & Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime, with employees averaging 60+ hours per week and 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 expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

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

Benefits & Hiring Requirements

• Full-time employment with benefits.

• Pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Interview reminder: Bring steel-toed boots to the interview.