CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator in Candor, NC. The role focuses on transporting equipment and operating cranes and excavators to support emergency field operations and infrastructure maintenance. Driving accounts for about 10% of the work, with substantial overtime and 40 hours guaranteed weekly.

Work involves safety-focused field tasks, rigging, and coordinating with field crews. Candidates should be prepared for 24/7 callouts, with full-time benefits on offer.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL and a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a physically demanding field.
• 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/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Operate tractor-trailers and inspect loads and transported machinery.
• Verify permits for oversized/overweight loads.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate with field crews.
• Load, unload, secure, and transport equipment and materials.
• Assist with cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery.

Skills

CDL-A license

Physical labor

Emergency response readiness

Overtime availability

Job description

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.