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Grapple Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 - 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 · 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 · 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 ...

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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 Jul 26, 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 in the Grapple Operator position, 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.

What is a Grapple Operator job?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 21% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, 65% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 46% Physical, 52% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,906 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Dragados USA

Virginia Beach, VA

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

FD is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support the construction on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel expansion project. The Heavy Equipment Operator is primarily responsible for operating heavy equipment to load and remove dirt and other material onto trucks or conveyors. May also operator other heavy equipment as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects
  • Operate equipment in confined area between permanent structures
  • Operate equipment in difficult terrain, such as loose soil/sand and steep slopes
  • Pre-inspection of equipment and surrounding area  
  • Be aware of underground and overhead services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
  • Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
  • Load and move dirt and materials using heavy equipment
  • Learn and follow safety regulations. Properly follow all company policies and procedures for safe working procedures and environment. Report any problems to his/her Supervisor, Civil Construction Manager, and Safety Manager, as needed.
  • Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
  • Service machine on daily bases as required by manufacture
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Must have minimum of 3 years’ experience running, maneuvering, driving, and navigating heavy equipment including track loader, excavator and bulldozer.
  • Must have experience with excavator attachments, such as mill head, hammer, thumb and grapple
  • Must be able to maintain tooling/attachments, including connecting & disconnecting attachments, changing our wearing teeth/heads, troubleshooting issues
  • Strongly prefer candidates with High School Diploma
  • Must be able to communicate with others to convey information effectively
  • Must be field knowledgeable
  • Must be able to work in tight areas

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrate attention to details
  • Knowledgeable of safety procedures and practices

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