CDL-A Crane & Heavy Equipment Operator

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.