CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Field Operations

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 Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport equipment and materials, operate construction machinery, and assist with demanding field projects. This is a hands-on role that combines commercial driving, equipment operation, physical labor, and equipment maintenance. It is not an over-the-road driving position.
Employees must be available for emergency assignments 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 heavy construction equipment to support field maintenance, site preparation, grading, and infrastructure projects.

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

- Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment, materials, and supplies to assigned job sites.

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

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

- Participate in daily safety meetings and coordinate work activities with supervisors and crew members.

- Operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid-steer loaders, as qualified.

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

- Use chains, cables, winches, and rigging equipment to assist with lifting and material handling.

- Perform construction-related tasks, including grading, site preparation, maintenance, and repair work.

- Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.

- Monitor equipment condition and perform basic maintenance and minor repairs, including routine service tasks.

- Document equipment maintenance and report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

- Assist with loading and securing machinery for transportation after completing assignments.

- Clean job sites, organize tools, and restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts and supplies.

- Sort and dispose of scrap materials in designated areas.

- Assist other teams and departments as needed to support operational requirements.

- Maintain safe, clean, and organized work areas while following all company 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 maintenance.

- Ability to work outdoors and perform continuous physical labor.

- Strong awareness of workplace safety and the ability to work effectively with a team.

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

- Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed.

- Must successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.

Preferred Qualifications

- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience.

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

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

- Ability to lift and move equipment and materials as required.

- Must be available for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

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.