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CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc

Richmond, VA

  • $26 per hour
  • Onsite
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About the role

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.