CDL-A Equipment Operator

CDL-A Equipment Operator

Location: Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support field operations involving heavy machinery, equipment transportation, and hands-on labor.

This is primarily an equipment operation and field support position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the work, with the majority of time spent operating machinery, handling materials, assisting with field projects, and maintaining equipment.

Candidates must be comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency assignments on short notice.

Job Responsibilities

• Transport trucks, trailers, machinery, and materials to and from assigned job sites.

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles, trailers, and equipment according to DOT regulations and company procedures.

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

• Participate in daily job briefings and safety meetings before beginning work.

• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites.

• Assist with heavy lifting, equipment setup, material transfers, and other field operations.

• Help assemble, inspect, rig, and operate cranes and other heavy machinery.

• Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches when handling heavy loads.

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

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assignments.

• Monitor vehicles and machinery to identify issues and maintain operational readiness.

• Perform basic equipment maintenance and document completed service work. Report major mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.

• Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing machinery after completing assignments.

• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, supplies, and materials upon returning to the home location.

• Sort and organize scrap materials in designated areas.

• Assist other teams with additional assignments when needed.

• Maintain clean and organized vehicles, machinery, tools, and work areas.

• Follow all company safety policies, operating procedures, and job site requirements.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

• Previous experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.

• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and effectively.

• Comfortable performing manual labor and handling equipment and materials.

• Must successfully complete required equipment qualification tests, safety training, and certification programs.

• Strong teamwork skills and ability to follow instructions.

• Must be available for emergency call-outs, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including:

  • Backhoes

  • Bulldozers

  • Excavators

  • Front-end loaders

  • Grapple trucks

  • Rail-bound equipment

  • Tractors

  • Skid-steer loaders

  • Equivalent combinations of training and hands-on experience may also be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime opportunities, with combined regular and overtime hours averaging 60+ hours per week. Some weeks may reach 70 hours.

• 24/7 on-call availability required to respond to emergency service requests.

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

• Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel expenses for travel assignments, and layover pay when applicable.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily field-based work involving heavy equipment operation and physical labor.

• Driving makes up approximately 10% of the position; equipment operation and field assignments make up the majority.

• Must be willing to travel to different job sites as needed.

• Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions.

• Must be comfortable with extended shifts and emergency assignments.

• Must be able to work safely around heavy machinery and other field personnel.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

• Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.

Benefits

• Full-time employment with benefits.

• Opportunities for training and equipment certifications.

• Overtime opportunities.

• Travel compensation, including per diem and applicable hotel and layover pay.