CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Field Operations Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience. Job Overview Qualdoc is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support field construction, equipment handling, and maintenance projects throughout the region. This is a hands-on position that combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physically demanding outdoor work. Employees will operate construction machinery, transport equipment and materials, assist with site preparation, and perform general field labor. The ideal candidate has experience operating heavy equipment, a strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work extended hours in a fast-paced field environment.

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

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

• Check transported loads, verify permits, and ensure overweight and oversized equipment meets transportation requirements.

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

• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials as needed.

• Assist with specialty lifting, equipment transfers, machinery setup, maintenance, and infrastructure-related projects.

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

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

• Operate machinery such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers.

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

• Monitor machinery and vehicles to identify potential issues and maintain equipment readiness.

• Perform basic equipment servicing and document maintenance activities. Report major mechanical problems to the appropriate supervisor.

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

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

• Keep vehicles, machinery, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and properly maintained.

• Assist other teams or departments when operational needs require additional support.

• Follow all workplace safety policies and operating procedures.

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

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

• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and efficiently.

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

• Ability to work independently and as part of a field team.

• Willingness to travel and respond to emergency assignments.

• Must be available for on-call work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

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

Schedule & Compensation • 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime available, with combined regular and overtime hours averaging 60+ hours per week.

• On-call availability required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at time and a half.

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

Work Environment • Active, physically demanding field position involving equipment operation and manual labor.

• Work at changing job sites and travel as operational needs require.

• Must be comfortable working outdoors and handling heavy materials and equipment.

• Extended shifts and emergency call-outs are part of the position.

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-related compensation, including per diem and applicable hotel and layover pay.