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Grapple Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery when qualified. * Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car repairs, load ...

Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery when qualified. * Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car repairs, load ...

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Richmond, VA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair ...

Warehouse Attendant A

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Operates gasoline, 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, or ...

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 ...

Loads and unloads products and supplies by using a loader/boom with a grapple. Will be offloading rail cars and other trucks. Placing products into yard bunks, and onto other truck/trailer ...

Loads and unloads products and supplies by using a loader/boom with a grapple. Will be offloading rail cars and other trucks. Placing products into yard bunks, and onto other truck/trailer ...

Loads and unloads products and supplies by using a loader/boom with a grapple. Will be offloading rail cars and other trucks. Placing products into yard bunks, and onto other truck/trailer ...

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Grapple information

What is a grapple?

Grapple operators are professionals who operate specialized machinery called grapples, which are used to lift, move, and position heavy materials like logs, scrap metal, or debris. They play a crucial role in industries such as construction, forestry, and recycling by ensuring materials are handled safely and efficiently. Grapple operators must be skilled in maneuvering the equipment, maintaining safety protocols, and performing routine inspections. Their expertise helps keep worksites organized and prevents accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by grapple operators on construction sites?

Grapple operators often face challenges such as maneuvering heavy materials in tight or congested areas, ensuring safety while operating large machinery, and adapting to varying weather conditions that can affect equipment performance. Effective communication with ground crews and other machine operators is crucial to coordinate lifts and prevent accidents. Additionally, operators must perform regular equipment checks and maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns, which can disrupt project timelines.

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 proficiency in heavy equipment operation, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equipment operator certification. Familiarity with hydraulic grapple systems, safety protocols, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong spatial awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, maximize productivity, and prevent costly errors or accidents on work sites.

What is the difference between Grapple vs Crane Operator?

AspectGrappleCrane Operator
CertificationsGrapple-specific certifications, crane operation licensesCrane operation licenses, rigging certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, logging, recycling facilitiesConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial settings
Industry UsageMaterial handling, forestry, waste managementLifting heavy loads, building structures
Job FocusUsing grapple attachments to grasp and move materialsOperating cranes to lift and position loads

Grapple workers specialize in using grapple attachments to handle materials, often working alongside crane operators. While both roles involve lifting and moving heavy objects, grapple workers focus on material grasping and handling, whereas crane operators control the crane's movement. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role for their skills and certifications.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Grapple jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Grapple job openings:

Infographic showing various Grapple job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc

Richmond, VA

$26/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 21 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.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020