CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc•Richmond, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Qualdoc is hiring a full-time CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator in Richmond, Virginia, to support specialized lifting, equipment handling, and emergency field operations. The role combines commercial driving, heavy machinery operation, and hands-on fieldwork. Operators transport equipment to job sites, operate cranes and excavators, assist with complex lifting activities, and complete time-sensitive assignments safely and efficiently. Driving is a smaller part of the position; most work involves equipment operation and field support. When field assignments are limited, employees assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety training. The position guarantees 40 hours per week, with an average of 60 or more hours and some weeks reaching 70 hours. Employees must be available on call 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may need to travel and work extended hours. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay potentially available based on experience. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Qualifying assignments may include per diem, hotel accommodations, and layover pay. Work is frequently outdoors in varying weather conditions and can be physically demanding, involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials. Employees work on uneven surfaces and around heavy equipment. Pre-employment requirements include a drug screening and background check. Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Requirements

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 repairs.
Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other crew members.
Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to follow established procedures.
Availability for emergency on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.
Ability to successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment.
Experience with cranes, 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.

Responsibilities

Operate cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery for specialized lifting and equipment-handling assignments.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations.
Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.
Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
Assist with loading, unloading, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.
Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with supervisors and crew members.
Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, and safe machinery operation.
Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches for lifting and equipment movement.
Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, as qualified.
Assist with equipment recovery, specialized lifting, material transfers, and other field assignments.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.
Monitor machinery and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, referring more complex issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after assignments.
Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, tools, and supplies.
Maintain clean and organized equipment, vehicles, and work areas.
Assist other departments as needed and follow required safety procedures.
When field assignments are limited, assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety training.