CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Field Operations
Qualdoc · Richmond, VA · onsite
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.
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 heavy construction equipment to support field maintenance, site preparation, grading, and infrastructure projects.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and machinery in accordance with DOT regulations.
- Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment, materials, and supplies to assigned job sites.
- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
- Assist with unloading, staging, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.
- Participate in daily safety meetings and coordinate work activities with supervisors and crew members.
- Operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid-steer loaders, as qualified.
- Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, and safe operation.
- Use chains, cables, winches, and rigging equipment to assist with lifting and material handling.
- Perform construction-related tasks, including grading, site preparation, maintenance, and repair work.
- Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor equipment condition and perform basic maintenance and minor repairs, including routine service tasks.
- Document equipment maintenance and report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with loading and securing machinery for transportation after completing assignments.
- Clean job sites, organize tools, and restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts and supplies.
- Sort and dispose of scrap materials in designated areas.
- Assist other teams and departments as needed to support operational requirements.
- Maintain safe, clean, and organized work areas while following all company 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 maintenance.
- Ability to work outdoors and perform continuous physical labor.
- Strong awareness of workplace safety and the ability to work effectively with a team.
- Availability for on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.
- Must successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience.
- Experience with 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 work involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials.
- Ability to work on uneven surfaces and around heavy machinery.
- Ability to lift and move equipment and materials as required.
- Must be available for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.
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.