CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Field Operations

About this 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 Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport equipment and materials, operate construction machinery, and assist with demanding field projects. This is a hands-on role that combines commercial driving, equipment operation, physical labor, and equipment maintenance. It is not an over-the-road driving position.

Employees must be available for emergency assignments at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

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40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
• On-call availability 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Per diem for qualifying assignments.
• Hotel accommodations and layover pay for eligible travel assignments.
• Full-time benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction equipment to support field maintenance, site preparation, grading, and infrastructure projects.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and machinery in accordance with DOT regulations.
• Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment, materials, and supplies to assigned job sites.
• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
• Assist with unloading, staging, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and coordinate work activities with supervisors and crew members.
• Operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid-steer loaders, as qualified.
• Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, and safe operation.
• Use chains, cables, winches, and rigging equipment to assist with lifting and material handling.
• Perform construction-related tasks, including grading, site preparation, maintenance, and repair work.
• Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment condition and perform basic maintenance and minor repairs, including routine service tasks.
• Document equipment maintenance and report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with loading and securing machinery for transportation after completing assignments.
• Clean job sites, organize tools, and restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts and supplies.
• Sort and dispose of scrap materials in designated areas.
• Assist other teams and departments as needed to support operational requirements.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work areas while following all company safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 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 maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform continuous physical labor.
• Strong awareness of workplace safety and the ability to work effectively with a team.
• Availability for on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.
• Must successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.

Preferred Qualifications

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• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience with 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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Physically demanding work involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials.
• Ability to work on uneven surfaces and around heavy machinery.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and materials as required.
• Must be available for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

Pay & Benefits

• Starting pay of $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.
• 40 guaranteed hours per week with significant overtime opportunities.
• Per diem, hotel accommodations, and eligible layover pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Disability, life, and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Training and career advancement opportunities.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.
• Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.