About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience
Position Overview
We are seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment operating skills to support emergency field operations and infrastructure maintenance. This hands-on position involves transporting equipment, operating cranes and excavators, handling materials, and assisting with recovery and repair work. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role.
Schedule & Benefits
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours
- On-call availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays
- Overtime pay 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 and layover pay for eligible travel assignments
- Full-time benefits package
Responsibilities
- Operate excavators, cranes, and other heavy equipment to complete specialized field assignments.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations.
- Transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Assist with loading, unloading, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate with team members to complete assignments safely and efficiently.
- Use chains, cables, winches, and other rigging equipment to assist with lifting and equipment handling.
- Operate equipment such as backhoes, excavators, cranes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.
- Assist with equipment recovery, material handling, grading, lifting, and construction-related field activities.
- Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, including routine service tasks such as oil changes.
- Monitor equipment condition, identify mechanical issues, and report major repairs to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with equipment assembly, disassembly, and transportation at the completion of assignments.
- Clean, organize, and restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, tools, and supplies.
- Maintain a safe and organized work environment while following all required safety procedures.
- Assist other departments and perform additional duties as needed.
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 role.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
- Basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to perform minor equipment repairs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to emergency assignments.
- Availability to work an on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work extended hours and travel for assignments as needed.
- Ability to complete required safety training and qualification testing.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.
- Experience operating excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission.
- Strong mechanical skills and experience performing basic equipment maintenance.
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.