CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator

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 Summary
We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support field operations involving equipment transportation, heavy machinery, and hands-on labor. This position combines limited commercial driving with equipment operation, job-site preparation, and routine maintenance. It is a field-based role, not a long-haul trucking position.
Employees must be ready to respond to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

- 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 cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery to perform specialized lifting and equipment handling assignments.

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

- Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.

- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.

- Assist with loading, unloading, positioning, and securing equipment and materials.

- Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with supervisors and crew members.

- Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, and safe machinery operation.

- Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches for lifting and equipment movement.

- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, as qualified.

- Assist with equipment recovery, specialized lifting, material transfers, and other field assignments.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.

- Monitor machinery and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

- Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, referring more complex issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

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

- Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, tools, and supplies.

- Maintain clean and organized equipment, vehicles, and work areas.

- Assist other departments as needed and follow all required 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 repairs.

- Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other crew members.

- Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to follow established procedures.

- Availability for emergency on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.

- Ability to successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.

Preferred Qualifications

- 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.

- Experience with cranes, 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 assignments involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials.

- Ability to work on uneven surfaces and around heavy equipment.

- Availability for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

- Flexibility to work extended hours depending on operational needs.

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.