CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – 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 Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized field operations in the Richmond, VA area. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at job sites. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable responding to emergency assignments.

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.