CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc•Candor, NC

About The Position

This full-time, direct-hire position in Candor, North Carolina supports emergency field operations and infrastructure maintenance. The role combines Class A CDL driving with hands-on work transporting equipment, operating heavy machinery, handling materials, and supporting recovery and repair projects. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the position. The schedule guarantees 40 hours per week, with significant overtime; employees average 60 or more hours per week, and some weeks reach 70 hours. The position requires availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at time and a half. Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and applicable layover pay. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay depending on experience. Full-time benefits are available. The operator conducts vehicle and equipment inspections, transports loads, helps coordinate field work, and loads, secures, and stages machinery and materials. Duties also include assisting with and operating cranes, excavators, and other equipment; supporting specialized lifting and emergency recovery; performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs; and maintaining vehicles, tools, and work areas. Safety procedures, training, and equipment maintenance are part of the role, including between field assignments. Pre-employment requirements include drug screening and a background check. Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview. The employer may use AI tools to assist with parts of hiring, 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 field role.
Ability to perform manual labor and work safely around heavy machinery.
Willingness to complete required training and safety qualification assessments.
Availability for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Heavy equipment operating experience, particularly with cranes and excavators.
Three or more years of experience operating equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, skid steers, or rail-bound machinery.
Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, torch cutting, electrical tools, and equipment maintenance.
Previous railroad or emergency recovery experience is a plus.
Equivalent combinations of training and practical experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect loads and transported machinery.
Verify permits and requirements for oversized and overweight loads.
Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with field crews.
Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.
Assist with assembling, inspecting, and operating cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery.
Support emergency recovery projects using rigging equipment, chains, cables, and winches.
Operate cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.
Assist with specialized lifting, material transfers, grading, equipment recovery, and infrastructure repair.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
Perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs, document completed work, and report complex mechanical issues.
Prepare machinery for transport, restock vehicles with necessary parts and supplies, and organize materials.
Clean and maintain equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.
Follow established safety procedures and assist other teams as operational needs require.
Complete safety training and equipment maintenance tasks during periods between field assignments.