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.