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.