CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: From $26.00/hour (Higher compensation available based on experience.)
Position Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport, operate, and maintain heavy equipment supporting railroad maintenance, emergency response, rerailing operations, load transfers, and track construction. This position combines CDL driving, equipment operation, and hands-on labor in a fast-paced field environment.
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time, direct hire
- Guaranteed 40 hours per week
- Average 60+ hours per week with overtime
- On-call 24/7 for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Overtime paid after the standard work schedule
- Per diem, hotel accommodations, and layover pay provided for qualifying travel
Responsibilities
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations.
- Safely transport heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites.
- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
- Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery when qualified.
- Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car repairs, load transfers, track maintenance, grading, and new track construction.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
- Assist with crane assembly, rigging, chains, cables, and winches.
- Monitor equipment condition and perform routine inspections and minor maintenance.
- Restock vehicles and equipment following assignments.
- Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
- Follow all company safety policies and participate in daily safety meetings.
- Support other operational departments as needed.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
- Experience performing construction labor or other physically demanding work.
- Ability to pass required safety and qualification training.
- Availability to respond to emergency call-outs 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Background check
- Drug screening
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.
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