CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator - Richmond, VA

Job Description

Job Description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience

Position Summary

We’re hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized field operations in the Richmond, VA area. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at job sites. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable responding to emergency assignments.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week

• Significant overtime, with average workweeks of 60+ hours

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

• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., paid at time-and-a-half

• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

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

• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, equipment, and permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

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

• Operate heavy equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, grapple trucks, and dump trucks, when qualified.

• Assist with equipment setup, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches.

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

• Complete minor equipment maintenance and document service activities; report complex repairs to the appropriate supervisor.

• Participate in safety briefings, follow established safety procedures, and maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

• Help prepare, secure, and restock equipment and materials after each assignment.

Requirements

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

• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding role.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or complete required training and qualification.

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to assist with basic equipment maintenance.

• Ability to work outdoors, perform physical labor, and travel to job sites as needed.

• Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to pass required qualification tests and safety training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, or skid-steers.

• Experience with tractor-trailers, equipment transport, rigging, or construction-related work.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Background check

• Pre-employment drug screen

Why Consider This Role?Join a specialized field operations team where CDL-A driving and heavy equipment skills support time-sensitive railroad recovery work. This direct-hire opportunity offers guaranteed weekly hours, overtime opportunities, travel-related compensation when applicable, and a full benefits package.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.