CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Candor, NC Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment operating skills to support emergency field operations and infrastructure maintenance. This hands-on position involves transporting equipment, operating cranes and excavators, handling materials, and assisting with recovery and repair work. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role.

Schedule & Compensation

40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime.

Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

Must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at time and a half.

Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and applicable layover pay.

Full-time benefits available.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect loads and transported machinery.

• Verify permits and requirements for oversized and overweight loads.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work plans with field crews.

• Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.

• Assist with assembling, inspecting, and operating cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery.

• Support emergency recovery projects using rigging equipment, chains, cables, and winches.

• Operate cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.

• Assist with specialized lifting, material transfers, grading, equipment recovery, and infrastructure repair.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

• Perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs, document completed work, and report complex mechanical issues.

• Prepare machinery for transport, restock vehicles with necessary parts and supplies, and organize materials.

• Clean and maintain equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.

• Follow established safety procedures and assist other teams as operational needs require.

• Complete safety training and equipment maintenance tasks during periods between field assignments.

Required Qualifications

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

Experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding field role.

Ability to perform manual labor and work safely around heavy machinery.

Willingness to complete required training and safety qualification assessments.

Availability for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

Heavy equipment operating experience, particularly with cranes and excavators.

3+ years of experience operating equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, skid steers, or rail-bound machinery.

Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, torch cutting, electrical tools, and equipment maintenance.

Previous railroad or emergency recovery experience is a plus.

Equivalent combinations of training and practical experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Drug screening.

Background check.

Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.