CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

About this role

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Taneytown, MD

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience

Position Summary

We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to join a field team responsible for equipment transportation, heavy machinery operations, and time-sensitive recovery projects. This is an active, hands-on role for someone who can safely operate equipment, assist with fieldwork, and adapt to changing assignments.

Candidates should be comfortable with commercial driving, physical labor, equipment maintenance, and an on-call schedule.

Schedule and Compensation

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40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime.

• Average of 60 hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.
• Must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.
• Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• Full-time benefits are available.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
• Transport equipment and materials safely to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work activities with field crews.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials before, during, and after field assignments.
• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.
• Assist with equipment assembly, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during emergency recovery operations.
• Support railroad construction, equipment recovery, load transfers, grading, railcar maintenance, and related field activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
• Perform basic equipment servicing and preventive maintenance, document completed work, and report more complex mechanical issues.
• Prepare equipment for transport, restock vehicles with necessary supplies, and organize tools and materials.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed to meet operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, industrial labor, equipment handling, or a similar physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or demonstrate the aptitude to qualify through required training.
• Willingness to perform hands-on labor in varying field conditions.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to complete required safety training and qualification assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience with cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractor equipment, skid steers, or similar machinery.
• Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, torch cutting, or basic mechanical maintenance.
• A combination of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening.
• Background check.
• Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.