CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Infrastructure Maintenance Operator/Laborer – Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience
Position Summary
We’re hiring a CDL-A Infrastructure Maintenance Operator/Laborer in Richmond, VA. This hands-on role focuses on field maintenance, repair, construction support, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, follows safety procedures, and can adapt to changing work assignments and emergency response needs.

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.