About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – 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 Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized field operations in the Richmond, VA area. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at job sites. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable responding to emergency assignments.
What You’ll Do
- Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
- Transport equipment and materials to job sites, check loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight shipments.
- Attend daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with the crew.
- Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for field assignments.
- Assist with equipment recovery, specialty lifting, material transfers, grading, infrastructure work, and construction projects.
- Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other machinery when qualified.
- Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as required.
- Monitor equipment performance, complete basic servicing and minor repairs, and report major mechanical issues to the shop supervisor.
- Help dismantle and load equipment after assignments are complete.
- Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort scrap materials, and keep equipment and work areas clean and organized.
- Follow safety procedures and assist with other operational tasks when needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a good driving record.
- Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding position.
- Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and perform hands-on field work.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.
- Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Experience
- Three or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers.
- An equivalent combination of training and practical experience may also be considered.
Schedule & Pay
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Significant overtime, with employees averaging 60+ hours per week and 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 expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
- During periods between field assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment servicing.
Benefits & Hiring Requirements
- Full-time employment with benefits.
- Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Interview reminder: Bring steel-toed boots to the interview.