CDL-A Construction Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer Location: Taneytown, MD Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay available depending on experience Position Summary We are seeking Class A CDL drivers for a hands-on field position involving equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, and physical labor. Employees support time-sensitive field assignments that may include equipment recovery, material transfers, railcar maintenance, and infrastructure repair. This role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, mechanical tasks, and fieldwork. Candidates must be comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency assignments.

Schedule & Compensation • 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime, with average workweeks of 60+ hours and occasional weeks reaching 70 hours.

• 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.

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

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

• Full-time position with benefits.

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

• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect transported loads and equipment.

• Verify transportation permits and ensure overweight and oversized load requirements are met.

• Load, unload, move, and stage heavy materials and equipment for field assignments.

• Operate construction equipment, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, when qualified.

• Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, rigging, and connecting chains, cables, and winches.

• Perform physically demanding fieldwork, including material handling, site preparation, grading, and equipment positioning.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document minor equipment maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.

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

• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and follow all company safety policies.

• Assist other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

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

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

• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

• Comfortable performing continuous physical labor and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Ability to work extended hours, travel as needed, and remain available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

• Must successfully complete required qualification tests and safety training.

• Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

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 relevant training and hands-on experience may also be considered.

• Experience with cranes, rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, or torch cutting is a plus.

Pre-Employment Requirements • Pre-employment drug screening

• Background check

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.