CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Infrastructure Maintenance Operator/Laborer – Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience
Position Summary
We’re hiring a CDL-A Infrastructure Maintenance Operator/Laborer in Richmond, VA. This hands-on role focuses on field maintenance, repair, construction support, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, follows safety procedures, and can adapt to changing work assignments and emergency response needs.

Responsibilities

- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and DOT regulations.

- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, equipment, and permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

- Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans with the crew.

- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials before and after field assignments.

- Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.

- Assist with specialty lifting, material transfers, equipment recovery, infrastructure repairs, and construction activities.

- Help assemble and inspect equipment and use chains, cables, and winches for rigging operations.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

- Monitor equipment condition and perform basic servicing and minor repairs. Report more complex mechanical issues to the shop supervisor.

- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.

- Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort scrap materials, and keep equipment and work areas clean and organized.

- Follow all safety procedures and assist other teams or departments when operational needs require it.

Qualifications

- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.

- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience preferred, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid steers.

- Ability to perform hands-on work and safely operate heavy machinery around coworkers and other equipment.

- Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and other company programs.

- Availability for emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Significant overtime; employees average 60 or more hours weekly, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

- Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

- Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

- During downtime between field assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing.

Benefits

- Full-time employment with benefits.

- Opportunities to develop heavy equipment operating and technical skills.

Hiring Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

Interview reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.