Open PositionHeavy Equipment Operator.

Job Summary.

VED is hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators for full-time, year-round work across Virginia. You will run modern, well-maintained gear on active site development, earthwork, and underground utility projects — supported by an in-house mechanic shop and a foreman who has run the same machines you'll be on.

Education.

1. 01
   High school diploma, GED, or equivalent trade-school completion.

Additional Educational Requirements.

1. 01
   Equipment-specific training certificates (Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo) preferred.
2. 02
   OSHA 10 Construction certification — VED will provide if not already held.
3. 03
   MSHA Part 46 surface-mining training a plus for borrow-pit assignments.

Experience.

1. 01
   Minimum 3 years' commercial experience operating at least two of the following: tracked excavator, dozer, motor grader, articulated truck, scraper, loader, or compact track loader.
2. 02
   Demonstrated experience reading grade stakes, hubs, and lath; comfort working to GPS or laser-controlled grade.
3. 03
   Prior experience on heavy civil, site development, or underground utility crews strongly preferred.

Qualifications.

1. 01
   Valid driver's license; CDL Class A or B preferred (VED will support upgrade for the right candidate).
2. 02
   Ability to perform pre-shift equipment inspections and complete daily inspection forms accurately.
3. 03
   Sound understanding of excavation safety, hand-signal communication, and spotter coordination.
4. 04
   Willingness to work as part of a tight crew under direction of the foreman and superintendent.
5. 05
   Reliable transportation to assigned yard or job site.

Criminal Background Checks.

Final candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check, DOT-compliant drug screening, and motor vehicle record review (for any role requiring company vehicle operation). Random drug and alcohol testing applies throughout employment.

Physical Demands.

1. 01
   Sit or stand in equipment cab for extended periods, with full range of motion to operate controls and pedals.
2. 02
   Climb on and off equipment multiple times per shift.
3. 03
   Work outdoors in seasonal Virginia weather — heat, cold, rain, and dust.
4. 04
   Lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally (fuel cans, attachments, ground-protection mats).
5. 05
   Wear required PPE (hard hat, vest, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection) throughout the work shift.