About the role
CDL-A Crane & 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
Qualdoc is hiring a CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized lifting, equipment handling, and emergency field operations.
This position combines commercial driving, heavy machinery operation, and hands-on fieldwork. Employees will transport equipment to job sites, operate cranes and excavators, assist with complex lifting activities, and help complete time-sensitive assignments safely and efficiently.
Driving makes up a smaller portion of this position, with most responsibilities involving equipment operation and field support. When field assignments are limited, employees assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety training.
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 cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery to perform specialized lifting and equipment handling assignments. • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations. • Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites. • Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment. • Assist with loading, unloading, positioning, and securing equipment and materials. • Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with supervisors and crew members. • Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, and safe machinery operation. • Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches for lifting and equipment movement. • Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, as qualified. • Assist with equipment recovery, specialized lifting, material transfers, and other field assignments. • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools. • Monitor machinery and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime. • Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, referring more complex issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman. • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after completing assignments. • Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, tools, and supplies. • Maintain clean and organized equipment, vehicles, and work areas. • Assist other departments as needed and follow all required 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 repairs. • Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other crew members. • Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to follow established procedures. • Availability for emergency on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays. • Ability to work extended hours and travel as needed. • Ability to successfully complete required safety training and qualification programs.
Preferred Qualifications • 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment. • Experience with cranes, 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 assignments involving standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying materials. • Ability to work on uneven surfaces and around heavy equipment. • Availability for emergency assignments throughout the year, including weekends and holidays. • Flexibility to work extended hours depending on operational needs.
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.
Text as published by Qualdoc. We don't edit postings; apply and ask questions on the employer's site.