CDL-A Construction Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualdoc in Taneytown, MD is seeking a dependable CDL-A Construction Equipment Operator to support field operations with heavy equipment, material handling, and construction-related tasks. The role blends driving with hands-on gear operation and outdoor work.

The position requires 24/7 on-call availability, frequent overtime (60+ hours per week, occasionally 70), and benefits. Starting pay is $26.00/hour, with higher pay based on experience.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL-A with a clean driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Comfortable performing continuous physical labor outdoors in varying weather.
• Willingness to work extended hours, travel as needed, and be available 24/7 (weekends/holidays).
• Must complete required qualification tests and safety training.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment per DOT regulations.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites; inspect loads and equipment.
• Verify transportation permits and overweight/oversize load requirements.
• Load, unload, and stage heavy materials and equipment for field assignments.
• Operate construction equipment (when qualified) and assist with assembly, rigging, and tying down loads.
• Perform physical fieldwork including material handling, site prep, grading, and equipment positioning.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, and common hand tools as needed.
• Monitor vehicles/equipment to minimize downtime and maintain readiness.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

Outdoor work

Safety training

24/7 availability

Teamwork

Job description

CDL-A Construction Equipment Operator

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay available depending on experience

About the Position

We are seeking a dependable CDL-A Construction Equipment Operator to support field operations involving heavy equipment, material handling, transportation, and construction-related labor.

This is a hands-on position that combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physically demanding outdoor work. Driving makes up only a small portion of the job. Candidates should be comfortable operating construction machinery, handling materials, and working outdoors in changing weather conditions.

This position requires 24/7 on-call availability to respond to emergency assignments, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Significant overtime, with average workweeks of 60+ hours and occasional weeks reaching 70 hours.

• 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.

• Time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM.

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

• Full-time position with benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform 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 transported loads and equipment.

• Verify transportation permits and ensure overweight and oversized load requirements are met.

• Load, unload, move, and stage heavy materials and equipment for field assignments.

• Operate construction equipment, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators, when qualified.

• Assist with equipment assembly, inspections, rigging, and connecting chains, cables, and winches.

• Perform physically demanding fieldwork, including material handling, site preparation, grading, and equipment positioning.

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

• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document minor equipment maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.

• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and transportation after completing assignments.

• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and follow all company safety policies.

• Assist other departments and perform additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

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

• Previous experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

• Comfortable performing continuous physical labor and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Ability to work extended hours, travel as needed, and remain available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

• Must successfully complete required qualification tests and safety training.

• Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including:

  • Backhoes

  • Bulldozers

  • Excavators

  • Front-end loaders

  • Grapple trucks

  • Rail-bound equipment

  • Tractors

  • Skid-steer loaders

• Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may also be considered.

• Experience with cranes, rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, or torch cutting is a plus.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening

• Background check

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