About this role
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations, including derailment response, equipment transportation, rerailing, track work, and related site activities. This is a hands-on position that combines driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor.
What You'll Do
- Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
- Load, unload, move, stage, position, and secure equipment and materials.
- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
- Assist with:
Railroad rerailing operations
- Load adjustment and transfer
- Railroad car maintenance and repair
- Track maintenance and repair
- New track construction
- Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment .
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches .
- Operate equipment when qualified, including:
Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools .
- Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers and surrounding conditions.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment for operational readiness and minimize downtime.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and job-ready.
- Support other departments or field crews when needed.
- Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) .
- Good driving record.
- Previous construction labor, field work, or similar physically demanding experience.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response , including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a field crew in time-sensitive situations.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average 60+ hours per week , with significant overtime; some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
- 24/7 on-call emergency response
- Per diem
- Hotel pay/accommodations for qualifying travel
- Layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.