The posting
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.
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.



