ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grapple Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Qualdoc

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA

$26/hr

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: From $26 ... Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other ...

Qualdoc

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$26/hr

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: From $26 ... Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other ...

Dragados

Heavy Equipment Operator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is primarily responsible for operating heavy equipment to load and ... Must have experience with excavator attachments, such as mill head, hammer, thumb and grapple

Cranemasters

Driver/Operator - CDL A

Richmond, VA · On-site

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in ... Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe ...

Maersk

Forklift Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drives gasoline, liquefied gas, or electric powered industrial truck equipped with lifting devices such as forklift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple, clamps, elevating platform ...

Maersk

Forklift Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drives gasoline, liquefied gas, or electric powered industrial truck equipped with lifting devices such as forklift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple, clamps, elevating platform ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Richmond, VA · On-site

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Richmond, VA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Richmond, VA

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Stella-Jones

Truck Driver

Warsaw, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Loads and unloads products and supplies by using a loader/boom with a grapple. Will be offloading ... Experience with self-loaders/heavy equipment operators preferred. Experience with steering trailers ...

Stella-Jones

Truck Driver

Tappahannock, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Loads and unloads products and supplies by using a loader/boom with a grapple. Will be offloading ... Experience with self-loaders/heavy equipment operators preferred. Experience with steering trailers ...

All JobsGrapple Operator JobsGrapple Operator Jobs in Virginia

Grapple Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do grapple operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for grapple operator in Virginia is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work conditions and daily responsibilities for a grapple operator?

Grapple Operators often work outdoors in environments like construction sites, logging areas, or recycling facilities, where they are exposed to various weather conditions and must remain vigilant about safety. Daily tasks usually include operating grapple-equipped machinery to move or sort large materials, performing routine equipment inspections, and coordinating with other operators and site supervisors to ensure safe material handling. Operators frequently collaborate with teammates such as truck drivers and ground crew to optimize workflow and minimize downtime. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers variety and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in heavy equipment operation and site logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grapple operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grapple Operator, you need solid knowledge of heavy equipment operation, spatial awareness, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hydraulic grapple systems, equipment maintenance, and OSHA safety certifications is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork ensure smooth and safe job site operations. These capabilities help prevent accidents, maximize productivity, and maintain effective workflow within construction, logging, or recycling environments.

How much does a grapple operator make?

Grapple operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages.

What is a grapple operator?

A Grapple Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery equipped with a grapple attachment to lift, move, and transport materials such as logs, scrap metal, or debris. They work in industries like logging, construction, and waste management, ensuring safe and efficient material handling. Operators must have strong spatial awareness, mechanical skills, and knowledge of safety regulations. Proper maintenance of equipment is also a key part of the job.

What are popular job titles related to Grapple Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Grapple Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grapple Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Grapple Operator jobs in Virginia are:

Grapple Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grapple Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,906 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc

Richmond, VA

$26/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: From $26.00/hour (Higher compensation available based on experience.)

Position Overview

We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport, operate, and maintain heavy equipment supporting railroad maintenance, emergency response, rerailing operations, load transfers, and track construction. This position combines CDL driving, equipment operation, and hands-on labor in a fast-paced field environment.

Schedule & Compensation
  • Full-time, direct hire
  • Guaranteed 40 hours per week
  • Average 60+ hours per week with overtime
  • On-call 24/7 for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Overtime paid after the standard work schedule
  • Per diem, hotel accommodations, and layover pay provided for qualifying travel
Responsibilities
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations.
  • Safely transport heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites.
  • Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
  • Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery when qualified.
  • Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car repairs, load transfers, track maintenance, grading, and new track construction.
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
  • Assist with crane assembly, rigging, chains, cables, and winches.
  • Monitor equipment condition and perform routine inspections and minor maintenance.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment following assignments.
  • Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
  • Follow all company safety policies and participate in daily safety meetings.
  • Support other operational departments as needed.
Qualifications
  • Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
  • Experience performing construction labor or other physically demanding work.
  • Ability to pass required safety and qualification training.
  • Availability to respond to emergency call-outs 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
  • Background check
  • Drug screening
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job
Qualdoc logo

About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

View All Qualdoc Jobs

Apply