CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Qualdoc • Richmond, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator supports specialized field operations in the Richmond, Virginia area. This hands-on position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at job sites, supporting time-sensitive railroad recovery work. The role is direct hire and full-time, with a starting pay of $26 per hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience. Forty hours per week are guaranteed, and workweeks average more than 60 hours because of significant overtime. On-call availability is required 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Hours worked outside Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

The operator conducts truck, trailer, and equipment inspections; transports equipment and materials; operates heavy equipment when qualified; assists with setup and rigging; performs basic maintenance; and follows safety procedures. The job requires outdoor work, physical labor, and travel to job sites as needed. Applicants must pass required qualification tests and safety training, as well as a background check and pre-employment drug screen. The role offers guaranteed weekly hours, overtime opportunities, travel-related compensation when applicable, and a full benefits package. The employer may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, but final hiring decisions are made by humans.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or complete required training and qualification.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to assist with basic equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors, perform physical labor, and travel to job sites as needed.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to pass required qualification tests and safety training.
• Pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, or skid-steers.
• Experience with tractor-trailers, equipment transport, rigging, or construction-related work.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT requirements.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, equipment, and permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials at job sites.
• Operate heavy equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, grapple trucks, and dump trucks, when qualified.
• Assist with equipment setup and rigging, including use of chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
• Complete minor equipment maintenance and document service activities; report complex repairs to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in safety briefings and follow established safety procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Help prepare, secure, and restock equipment and materials after each assignment.

Benefits

• Full benefits package
• Overtime opportunities, with hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. paid at time-and-a-half
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed